This creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese is not only easy to make, but incredibly delicious. It is cheesy and full of ooey gooey goodness! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner recipe or crowd pleasing side dish for any occasion.
If you like easy gluten-free dinner recipes, you’ll love this instant pot lasagna, easy tater tot casserole, instant pot pulled pork, gluten free meatballs, or this gluten free chicken pot pie.
Why I love this gluten free macaroni
- Creamy and flavorful: The creamy cheese sauce and al dente pasta make every bite of this macaroni and cheese perfection.
- Couldn’t be easier: Just like this instant pot spaghetti, this recipe comes together in minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
- It has a secret ingredient: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cheesy sauce, taking this mac and cheese to the next level.
- Versatile dish: Similar to this instant pot pasta, you can customize this mac and cheese with your favorite mix ins and spices.
How to make gluten free mac n cheese
The instant pot: Add water and gluten-free pasta to a pressure cooker then cook on high for 3 minutes.
Drain: Quick release and drain excess water.
The good stuff: Keeping the noodles in the bottom of the instant pot, mix in cheese, butter, milk, and spices.
Serve: Stir until the cheese is melted and serve hot.
Pro tip: Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best results, and feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to make this mac and cheese your own.
Recipe variations
- Dairy free: Use dairy free milk, butter, and cheese to make dairy free mac and cheese. I recommend Violife dairy-free cheese and Earth Balance dairy-free butter sticks.
- Different cheese and spices: Pepper jack, sharp cheddar, parmesan cheese, etc. make great additions to this easy recipe. Red peppers, garlic powder, paprika, and other Italian spices are another way to add more flavor.
- Baked mac and cheese: Add the cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Some protein: Feel free to add bacon bits, ham, chicken, etc. for a source of protein.
Here are more gluten free pasta recipes…
Make ahead, storage, and freezing instructions
How to make ahead: You can make this mac and cheese a day or two in advance to save some time in the kitchen. Additionally, you can make ahead and freeze for up to a month in advance.
How to store: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature. Keep in the fridge for 2-4 days and reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze mac and cheese? Yes, you can freeze this mac and cheese for 1-2 months. Let the dish cool to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container, and freeze.
More gluten free recipes you’ll love
- This delicious gluten free burger is another one of my favorite comfort meals.
- If you’re looking for another cheese dish, this is the best cheeseball recipe.
- These gluten free biscuits are a family favorite recipe!
- If you need another great side dish, this gluten free corn casserole is always a crowd pleaser.
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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gluten-free rotini pasta (Ronzoni or Jovial brand works best)
- 3 2/3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt (depending on level of saltiness you like)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add water and pasta to pressure cooker
- Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes
- Quick release pressure (drain excess water if needed)
- Add butter, milk, salt and cheese
- Stir until melted then grate in nutmeg and stir gently again
Video
Notes
Recipe variations
- Dairy free: Use dairy free milk, butter, and cheese to make dairy free mac and cheese. I recommend Violife dairy-free cheese and Earth Balance dairy-free butter sticks.
- Different cheese and spices: Pepper jack, sharp cheddar, parmesan cheese, etc. make great additions to this easy recipe. Red peppers, garlic powder, paprika, and other Italian spices are another way to add more flavor.
- Baked mac and cheese: Add the cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Some protein: Feel free to add bacon bits, ham, chicken, etc. for a source of protein
Nutrition
What gluten free pasta works best?
I love Jovial brand brown rice pasta! It is hand made in Italy and truly tastes FANTASTIC! My family also loves it and they don’t have to eat gluten-free. You can also use any gluten free noodles like corn pasta, chickpea pasta or gluten-free macaroni noodles.
Another brand I use and enjoy, especially in this recipe, is the Ronzoni rotini noodles. They are available at most groceries stores and on Amazon. You can also use them to make Italian pasta salad.
Erin says
I’ve made this a few times and I love how easy it is to make! My kids LOVE it too!
Michael Press says
Wow! I just made it! I know I posted a comment not long ago saying I WOULD be making it, but I just did, I tasted it, and it’s fantastic! I used a box of Barilla (not Ronzoni) elbows and it didn’t fall apart while I stirred in the milk, butter, and cheese. Held its consistency (although I agree Jovial is an outstanding GF pasta brand) and tastes great. No reason that even I, who doesn’t have to eat GF, wouldn’t eat it myself. It’s THAT good.
Chandice says
Wow, this is such a great testimonial! Thanks Michael, so glad you loved it, it’s one of our favorites!
Michael Press says
I’m abut to make this with Ronzoni, which I was fortunately able to get. My wife is the one with the gluten allergy and I usually avoid those gluey gf pastas but I’m giving the Ronzoni a shot. She usually buys Tinkyada for spirals and I’m just not up for trying that for this recipe. The Ronzoni I have is little elbows but should work fine. Will let you know. Thanks for posting this recipe!
Nick says
One of the best recipes there is! Man alive do my kids love it, they even tell me how my Mac n cheese doesn’t hold a candle to this recipe!
Chandice says
Wow what a compliment!! Thanks 🙂
Kate says
Hello, ours came out liquidy and soupy. Wondering what we possibly did wrong or what we could do differently next time? I
Chandice says
You might have added a bit too much water. I would drain some water from noodles after cooking if needed before adding the remaining ingredients. I will make that note in the recipe. Thanks! 🙂
Kasey says
We haven’t made the recipe yet. I can’t find ground nutmeg right now during the pandemic. Can we use ground and if so how much?
Chandice says
Yes 🙂
Eva says
So convenient to get this family favourite in such a short time! Love the idea of adding nutmeg, it’smy favourite spice to add to bechamel!
Sara says
It’s so simple and delicious! Instant pots are such a game changer. I love that the recipe list is short, but it totally delivers on the flavor. Thank you!
Chandice says
You bet, thanks for stopping by Sara!
Alena says
Oooh the nutmeg is such a fun touch to this delicious mac and cheese recipe!
Chandice says
Thanks Alena, it is great for taking it up a notch for sure 🙂
Mikayla says
It seriously blows my mind how quickly and easy this came together! By far one of the quickest dinners I’ve ever made, and it tasted great, nutmeg was a tasty addition!
Chandice says
Thanks Mikayla, so happy to hear this! We love the nutmeg too 🙂
Sharon says
One of my favorite meals just got easier by making it in the instant pot. Creamy comfort food!
Chandice says
Thanks Sharon, delicious and easy are a good combination 🙂
Aleta says
15 minutes from start to bowl? Yes please! My kiddos LOVE mac and cheese but my daughter has a dairy sensitivity. This recipe is perfect because I can actually use dairy free milk and cheese!
Chandice says
Definitely, easy to make it dairy-free, we do for our two year old.
Colleen says
This recipe is delicious, easy and so creamy and comforting. I will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!
Chandice says
Thanks Colleen, I am so glad you loved it!
Gloria says
No matter how you make it, mac and cheese is a hit with everyone. Loved by ALL kids and adults. Make a huge batch…because you know….leftovers are perfect too.
Bridgett may says
If I add meat does the cooking time change?
Chandice says
You would just stir in precooked meat to the hot Mac n cheese after it’s cooked and you’d be fine.
Brandis says
Have you cooked a double recipe in the instant pot? Any additional time needed? I’m newer to using the instant pot and want to make this for my daughter’s birthday party. Sounds delicious!
Chandice says
I haven’t because my IP isn’t big enough to double the recipe without water spilling everywhere when opening the quick release. I apologize that wasn’t much help…I hope you enjoy it thought! 🙂
Alison says
This was so easy, I did put into a Pyrex dish to broil the shedded cheese on top. Perfect.
Chandice says
I am so happy you enjoyed it! My family always asks for this 🙂 Please come back for more easy recipes. I recommend the Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken.
Tera says
My favorite mac n cheese! Even being a non GF eater!!
Chandice says
Me too!! It is the ABSOLUTE best and I have my sister to thank for this recipe. She was so sweet to share it with me. 🙂
Brittany says
Is it possible to make this in the crockpot or on the stove? If so, does the recipe change at all? Still need the water?
Chandice says
You definitely could! Just cook the noodles according to package directions making sure to drain the water. Then go ahead and add the remaining ingredients as directed. 🙂
Cassandra L says
Is this supposed to be a 12 ounce box of GF pasta? I haven’t seen 16 oz. GF and added 4 oz. and the noodles on top came out hard.
Chandice says
Yes I am so sorry! Making that change now…
Laura says
Have you tried a lentil based pasta for this?
Chandice says
I haven’t Laura, but it’s worth a shot. 🙂