Description
This Creamy Instant Pot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a rich, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made in the Instant Pot, it combines elbow macaroni with a flavorful blend of cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cream for an irresistibly smooth and creamy texture. The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and freshly ground black pepper gives this mac and cheese a delightful depth of flavor while keeping the preparation simple and convenient.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 16 oz pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
- 4.25 cups broth
Spices and Butter
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp mustard (Dijon preferred)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Cheese and Dairy
- 2.25 cups cheddar cheese (shredded from a block)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 4 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the pasta, broth, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, salt, and black pepper into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pressure Cook the Pasta: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once cooked, perform a quick release to release the pressure immediately.
- Add Cheeses and Dairy: Open the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and heavy cream into the hot pasta mixture. Stir thoroughly until all cheeses are melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy mac and cheese hot as a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block for superior melting.
- Using full-fat plain yogurt and heavy cream helps achieve a richer, creamier texture.
- You can substitute broth with water if preferred, but broth adds more flavor.
- Feel free to customize with add-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- If you do not have an Instant Pot, the pasta and sauce can be prepared on the stovetop, though cooking times will differ.
