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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot » Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

    January 29, 2020 By Chandice | 77 Comments | Updated October 13, 2022

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese pin
    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese pin
    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese pin

    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.

    Overhead shot of gluten-free Mac and cheese in a bowl with gold spoon

    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.

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    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.

    Gluten-Free Mac and cheese in a blue spotted bowl

    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

    You can make this easy dish in under 15 minutes and that includes the build up of pressure in the Instant Pot (here is the Instant Pot I use)! Just follow these simple steps…
    Step one: Add water and pasta to pressure cooker
    Step two: Grate fresh cheddar cheese
    Pro Tip: Use fresh cheddar for the best results. If you want to get creative, you can add other cheeses here as well but keep it to the 2 cups we call for in the ingredients.
    Step three: Cook on HIGH for 3 minutes
    Step-by-step instructions for gluten-free Mac and cheese
    Step four: Quick release pressure then add butter, milk, salt and cheese
    Step five: Stir until melted then grate in nutmeg and stir gently again
    Step six: Serve hot
    Pro Tip: Fresh grated nutmeg really is an amazing spice. They are surprisingly easy to find and add and amazing depth and warmth to this pasta dish. 
    Creamy Mac and cheese being spooned out of an Instant Pot

    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.

    Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. It literally takes under 10 minutes and the kids will love it! You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling dish.

    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!

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    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl
    4.75 from 52 votes
    This instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is so amazing! It has a secret ingredient that I use in all of my creamy sauces…
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: comfort food, gluten-free, gluten-free mac and cheese, Instant Pot, instant pot mac and cheese, kid-friendly
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 431kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    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

    Video

    Notes

    Not all gluten-free paths are created equal. I love Jovial brand! It is hand made in Italy and truly tastes FANTASTIC! Another brand I use and enjoy, especially in this recipe, is the Ronzoni rotini noodles.
    Pro Tip: Use fresh cheddar for the best results. If you want to get creative, you can add other cheeses here as well but keep it to the 2 cups we call for in the ingredients.
    Pro Tip: Fresh grated nutmeg really is an amazing spice. They are surprisingly easy to find and add and amazing depth and warmth to this pasta dish. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Filed Under: Featured, Instant Pot, Pasta Tagged With: instant pot, mac and cheese, pasta

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Percy says

      July 13, 2022 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      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 😉

      Reply
    2. Pamela Leong says

      June 09, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        June 23, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        Awww that means so much to me, thank you! 🙂 I love the nutmeg too…

        Reply
    3. Melissa says

      March 17, 2022 at 11:51 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        March 18, 2022 at 5:14 am

        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.

        Reply
    4. Madden says

      February 12, 2022 at 12:13 am

      5 stars
      This is the best Mac n’ Cheese I’ve ever tasted! Thank you so much!

      Reply
    5. Erin says

      January 22, 2022 at 12:05 am

      Can I add cauliflower to this recipe?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 26, 2022 at 5:57 am

        I think that would be great! Just make sure it is pureed as to not change the consistency too much…

        Reply
    6. Chenée says

      November 15, 2021 at 8:15 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 16, 2021 at 3:29 am

        Aww thanks Chenee, that makes me so happy to hear you loved it!

        Reply
    7. Moop Brown says

      November 15, 2021 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    8. Kate says

      November 13, 2021 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for a friend who has gluten sensitivities and she loved it! I can’t wait to make it again!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 16, 2021 at 3:30 am

        Awww that was so nice of you! Thanks 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tammy says

      November 12, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so creamy and delicious! I love the touch of nutmeg! I could always go for mac n’ cheese especially when its homemade! Yum!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:02 am

        Thanks Tammy, I love nutmeg too. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Claire says

      November 11, 2021 at 3:48 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:17 am

        Awwww thank you so much this made my day! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Cathleen says

      November 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
    12. Jessica Erin Halverstadt says

      November 10, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:18 am

        Thanks Jessica, I also hate flour based Mac and cheese…so glad you loved this one!

        Reply
    13. Heidy says

      November 09, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:19 am

        Thank you so much Heidy, I am so glad you loved it!

        Reply
    14. Kayla DiMaggio says

      November 09, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      This gluten-free mac and cheese was so delicious! I loved all the flavors!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:19 am

        Aww thanks, it’s one of our favorites! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Bernice says

      November 09, 2021 at 1:40 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 13, 2021 at 5:21 am

        Yes, it works so well. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Wendy A. says

      February 27, 2021 at 12:50 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        February 27, 2021 at 3:51 pm

        That’s so great to hear, thanks Wendy! Love hearing everyones variations!

        Reply
        • Nicole says

          November 01, 2022 at 5:57 pm

          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

          November 03, 2022 at 2:05 pm

          Yes you can absolutely double it. Nutmeg is optional, I just love it.

    17. Carol says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      Eager to get your GF and instant pot recipes

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        February 24, 2021 at 4:16 am

        Did it not come through when you signed up?

        Reply
    18. Erin says

      September 28, 2020 at 12:36 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this a few times and I love how easy it is to make! My kids LOVE it too!

      Reply
    19. Michael Press says

      July 17, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        July 20, 2020 at 11:23 pm

        Wow, this is such a great testimonial! Thanks Michael, so glad you loved it, it’s one of our favorites!

        Reply
    20. Michael Press says

      July 17, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Nick says

        December 15, 2022 at 2:15 am

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          December 15, 2022 at 5:33 pm

          Wow what a compliment!! Thanks 🙂

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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

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    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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