Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese delivers tender elbows coated in a rich, velvety blend of Cheddar and Parmesan with a whisper of smoke, mustard, and paprika. It’s creamy, comforting, and weeknight-friendly—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy side alongside roasted meats.
- Prep5 mins
- Cook15 mins
- Serves10
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 52 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 58 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 15
- Heart Health
- 60
- Metabolic
- 19
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 35
- Performance
- 33
- General Wellness
- 1
Place the macaroni, chicken stock, salt, dry mustard, liquid smoke, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder into a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot). Close and lock the lid. Choose high pressure per the manufacturer's directions and set the timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
- 2
Carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method as directed by the manufacturer, about 5 minutes. Unlock and lift off the lid.
- 3
Stir in the butter, then the milk. Add the Cheddar and Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. The mixture will be soupy at first.
- 4
Select the Keep Warm setting on the Instant Pot and let the macaroni sit, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the texture is smooth and creamy, about 15 minutes.
- Calories 323.61 kcal Moderate 16%
- Protein 16.19 g Good Source 32%
- Carbohydrate 37.19 g 14%
- Total Fat 13.31 g Moderate 17%
- Saturated Fat 7.43 g High 37%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 35.93 mg Moderate 12%
- Sodium 481.22 mg High 21%
- Dietary Fiber 1.8 g Low Source 6%
- Total Sugars 2.06 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 298.23 mg Good Source 23%
- Iron 1.52 mg Low Source 8%
- Potassium 170.44 mg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin A 15.89 mcg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 0.42 mcg Low Source 2%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
About This Recipe
Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is made with 12 ingredients and serves 10. It takes about 20 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Butter, Chicken Stock, and Dry Mustard. Each serving provides about 323.61 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Butter, Chicken Stock, Dry Mustard, Garlic Powder. The full list of 12 is above.
- How long does it take to make Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese?
- About 20 mins in total: 5 mins to prepare and 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 323.61 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 12 ingredients and 4 steps.
- Is Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese healthy?
- Pressure Cooker Macaroni and Cheese has an easyChef Pro health score of 39/100. Per serving, it provides 323.61 calories and 16.19 g of protein, or 32% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of calcium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 481.22 mg (21% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 7.43 g (37% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten and Garlic, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
How easyChef Pro scores recipes and products
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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