Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. Plus, it can be made in under 15 minutes from start to bowl to it’s an easy recipe!
Serve it up in a big pot for guests along with our grazing table and chocolate orange cake for dessert. Or give our gluten-free ramen and tater tot casserole a try if you really love nostalgic dishes.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
I love making this instant pot mac and cheese with creamy sauce that just happens to be gluten-free. It literally takes under 10 minutes to make this easy gluten-free homemade Mac and cheese dinner and my kids love it!
I love that it doesn’t have artificial flavors and it doesn’t need any thickening from potato starch or sweet rice flour. You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling main dish though. My kids even like it served with our Instant Pot meatballs!
I’ve definitely been on an instant pot kick lately. Mostly because it’s so easy but also because I don’t have to heat up my house when cooking.
Subscribe to This Vivacious Life
Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!
We’ve been making everything from main dishes like, creamy Italian chicken, instant pot lasagna and my mother-in-law‘s famous hamburger soup to desserts and appetizers. This Instant Pot chicken pasta is another quick and delicious Instant Pot dish.
Enjoy this meal with our gluten-free green bean casserole with homemade fried onions and blackened salmon plus a virgin margarita or our non-alcoholic gin and tonic for a lovely dinner and drink combo.
Gluten-Free Pasta
Not all gluten-free pastas are created equal. They have come along ways since I was diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago.
I remember trying GF pasta for the first time back then and it was so mushy even when al dente and not appetizing at all. Over the years, I have found a few brands that I really enjoy using because nobody can tell they are missing that binder.
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. We also reeally like Ronzoni brand of gluten-free pasta.
Their pastas also work great in our gluten-free chicken parmigiana or gluten-free chicken noodle soup as well since they don’t get mushy when cooked.
You can use any gluten free noodles you like including corn pasta, chickpea pasta or gluten-free macaroni noodles. Here is how to make instant pot pasta with any 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.
How do you make this a one pot dinner?
I like using leftover meat in it to create an entire meal with carbs and protein. Truly the possibilities with protein are endless.
Bacon is an obvious choice but chicken, ground beef and sausage all work great also. If you need another great one large pot meal, give this instant pot broccoli cheddar soup, Instant Pot pasta primavera or Cajun Mac and cheese from Salted Plains a try.
And here are some more dinner ideas if you need them.
Ingredients you will need
- gluten-free pasta
- water
- butter
- milk (I don’t recommend skim milk but you can use soy or coconut for a dairy free option)
- cheddar cheese (but feel free to add a little parmesan cheese if you like as well or use dairy free cheese you like)
- salt and pepper
- and a SECRET INGREDIENT
What is the secret ingredient?
This recipe came from my sister Tera. She made it when I stayed at her house and I couldn’t believe how amazing it was! I added in a secret ingredient that I use in all of my creamy sauces…nutmeg.
It truly warms up any dish and adds a new depth of flavor. Now when people ask you what your secret ingredient is for the best ever macaroni and cheese you can also say, fresh ground nutmeg. I also love putting a dash on my gluten free garlic bread.
How to make the Instant Pot mac and cheese
Can you make it dairy-free?
By using dairy-free milk, butter and cheese you can absolutely make this a dairy-free Mac n cheese. I personally recommend Violife dairy-free cheese and Earth Balance dairy-free butter sticks.
If you need something simple to serve at a party, then this instant pot artichoke dip is definitely a crowdpleaser.
Other variations…
You can easily add sharp cheddar, red peppers and spices like garlic powder to give it a bit more zing. You can add some pepper jack cheese and salsa to make it a bit more spicy.
If you want more of a baked Mac and cheese, you can cook it all up with the directions then put it into a baking dish. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
How do you store leftovers?
Leftovers of our homemade gluten-free Mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container and heated up in the microwave.
Need more Instant Pot inspiration?
Some other great instant pot recipes include Mongolian beef from my friend Chrystal at Gluten-Free Palate and Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup from Erin at Meaningful Eats.
If you like this recipe be sure to check out these other easy Instant Pot meals…
Instant pot gluten free spaghetti in under 10 minutes- The kiddos love this one!
Instant pot shredded beef taco soup- This is a great meal to make with that leftover Sunday roast.
Hamburger soup in the instant pot (This is my favorite soup EVER!)
Instant pot chicken noodle soup (Perfect for a cold winters day)
Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Ranch (can you believe it is even dairy-free?)
Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!
NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free rotini pasta (Ronzoni or Jovial brand works best)
- 3 2/3 C water
- 3 T butter
- 1 1/4 C milk
- 2 C shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2-1 tsp. 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
Percy says
This recipe has saved me many, many times. Life is pretty busy with three kids running around, so I always struggle to make dinner. I can make this recipe so fast, which I love, and its super yummy, which we all love! Plus, my husband thinks I’ve spent the whole afternoon cooking, but really, it took 10 minutes haha. He doesn’t have to know 😉
Pamela Leong says
This mac and cheese is simply the BEST, and it is super easy to make! The nutmeg really makes a world of difference! Thank you so much for sharing.
Chandice says
Awww that means so much to me, thank you! 🙂 I love the nutmeg too…
Melissa says
I love this recipe. Being celiac this is the best I’ve had. However, it seems the 3 2/3 cup water is too much and it always spits out a lot of water. I’m new to my IP and any advice would be awesome
Chandice says
Hi Melissa, so glad you loved it! It’s my kids favorite too. 🙂 You can drain any excess water but we use that much so that the noodles are covered and therefore cook evenly and don’t come out crunchy.
Madden says
This is the best Mac n’ Cheese I’ve ever tasted! Thank you so much!
Erin says
Can I add cauliflower to this recipe?
Chandice says
I think that would be great! Just make sure it is pureed as to not change the consistency too much…
Chenée says
This Mac and cheese is so delicious and I love that it’s gluten free! Plus it’s so easy to make in the instant pot! Yum!
Chandice says
Aww thanks Chenee, that makes me so happy to hear you loved it!
Moop Brown says
I’m always looking for more instant pot recipes to try and the fact that this one is so quick and easy to makes me even more excited to try!
Kate says
Made this for a friend who has gluten sensitivities and she loved it! I can’t wait to make it again!
Chandice says
Awww that was so nice of you! Thanks 🙂
Tammy says
Looks so creamy and delicious! I love the touch of nutmeg! I could always go for mac n’ cheese especially when its homemade! Yum!
Chandice says
Thanks Tammy, I love nutmeg too. 🙂
Claire says
I made this for my Dad who has to eat GF and he loved it!!! Said it was creamy and delicious and just like memories of mac and cheese from his childhood!
Great recipe that was easy to do!
Chandice says
Awwww thank you so much this made my day! 🙂
Cathleen says
I can never say to to mac and cheese, especially when it looks this good! Saved to make later this week, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Jessica Erin Halverstadt says
The secret ingredient really did make a difference! I love that it is prepared without a roux – I really hate the texture of flour-based cheese sauces. This mac and cheese really hit the spot.
Chandice says
Thanks Jessica, I also hate flour based Mac and cheese…so glad you loved this one!
Heidy says
This was a fabulous mac and cheese recipe that my entire family enjoyed. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your other recipes and making them! Have a great day! Happy Holidays!
Heidy
Chandice says
Thank you so much Heidy, I am so glad you loved it!
Kayla DiMaggio says
This gluten-free mac and cheese was so delicious! I loved all the flavors!
Chandice says
Aww thanks, it’s one of our favorites! 🙂
Bernice says
Interesting! I’m not GF so I always wondered how to thicken the cheese sauce for GF mac n cheese. Great idea to cook it all in the IP and let the pasta water thicken the sauce.
Chandice says
Yes, it works so well. 🙂
Wendy A. says
Really good recipe! I swapped out the nutmeg with garlic powder, and I set the Instant Pot to 0 minutes for the Gluten free penne I had on hand, and let it sit for 1 minute before doing a quick release. No need to drain – just filled with enough water to cover the top of the pasta – and didn’t need any milk, it was very creamy and delicious! Thank you!
Chandice says
That’s so great to hear, thanks Wendy! Love hearing everyones variations!
Nicole says
Can this recipe be doubled in an eight quart? Can ground nutmeg be subbed, or should I omit if we don’t have fresh?
Chandice says
Yes you can absolutely double it. Nutmeg is optional, I just love it.
Carol says
Eager to get your GF and instant pot recipes
Chandice says
Did it not come through when you signed up?
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 🙂