This EASY Instant Pot Mac n Cheese recipe uses fresh jalapeños, ginger and garlic paste along with a few staple spices to add a fiery kick that blends in perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Minstry of Curry The best part of this recipe is that you can adapt the recipe to your spice level. Add more or fewer jalapeños or skip them, add more or less red chili powder but do use good quality garam masala and cumin powder. I love to add the red peppers which are a staple in my fridge as they last for weeks and they add a burst of color to make this pasta look pretty & festive. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro (if you like) & red pepper flakes (to taste) and this pasta is sure to awaken your taste buds.
Instant Pot Pasta
Making pasta in the Instant Pot is a super-convenient, quick, and handsfree process for these reasons:
Simply add the pasta, water, and salt and walk awayNo more fear of foaming starchy pasta water spilling over your stoveLove the starch water that helps make pasta creamy, no need to drain the hot water
Note: Not having to drain out the boiling hot water is important for me for 2 reasons. I feel it’s a safer method for my kids who often make pasta and is also safer for the elderly audience. Secondly, the starchy water makes for naturally creamy and flavorful pasta, and you need to add less cream or butter to the recipes.
Stove Top Recipe
Don’t have an Instant pot? I have you covered as I don’t want you to miss out on these awesome flavors. Just scroll down and check out my stovetop recipe in the recipe card.
Tips
Here are my tips to make perfect Instant Pot pasta:
Makes sure that the pasta is submerged in liquidsQuick-release after the pressure cooking cycle is complete, if you see foam coming out, do a slow quick release by turning the pressure release valve slightly towards venting so the pressure releases slowly. Make sure you press cancel on the Instant Pot while doing this so the pasta does not overcook Always stir in cream, cheese, etc. after the pressure cooking cycle completes
How to Make Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
Step 1: Sauté Veggies, Add Spices & Pasta
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & heat oil. Add onions, peppers & jalapeno & saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions start to soften. Turn off sauté mode. Add ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt & mix well. Add pasta & broth. Mix well making sure all the pasta is under the liquids. Close the Instant Pot & Pressure cook for 4 mins.
Step 2: Add Milk and Cheese
Do a slow quick release & open the lid. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & add milk. Add the cheeses handful at a time & stir well. Add more milk if needed. Continue to stir until the cheeses are well incorporated making a smooth creamy sauce. Turn off the sauté mode once all the cheese has melted
Step 3: Garnish
This is an optional step but highly recommended if you like spicy dishes and love cilantro. Stir in more red chili flakes & cilantro. Enjoy piping hot!
Serving
I like to serve it with a crunchy salad like the Mango Salad with peanuts, Kale Almond Salad, or Fiesta Quinoa Salad. Protein dishes such as Chicken skewers, Tandoori Chicken Wings, or Salmon kabobs also compliments the pasta nicely to make a delicious meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to make some cooling drinks to serve with this spicy Indian pasta. Here are some that are popular in my home:
Mango LassiAam Panna Watermelon Juice Fresh Lemonade with ginger
Did you like how easy it is to make pasta in the Instant Pot? Check out some more of my family favorites like the Pasta Caprese & Spicy Taco Pasta in my Instant Pot Pasta Recipes Collection! ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.
Recipe
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