Name: Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 5 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 tsp sea salt; 4 cups water; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup pure pumpkin puree; 2 cups cheddar cheese; Cilantro or parsley

Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese cover

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Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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Ingredients

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Instructions

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Instructions

Add pasta, sea salt and water to the Instant Pot making sure the water covers the pasta completely but not by much. About 1/2 an inch over the pasta. Close lid and turn venting knob to sealing position.

Press "Manual", then "Pressure" to adjust to high pressure, then adjust time to 4 minutes.

Once the Instant Pot beeps, quick release pressure (take a step back, if you added too much water, a little bit of boiling hot water may spray out of the vent) and once the pin dropped open the pot.

Stir the pasta to avoid from sticking. Add milk, pumpkin puree and cheddar cheese and stir to combine.

Serve immediately garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Prevent Pasta Mushiness 🍝
Use the 'pasta' setting or reduce liquid slightly below the pasta line to prevent overcooking, as the Instant Pot's pressure intensifies cooking speed compared to stovetop methods.
Temper Evaporated Milk Properly 🥛
Whisk evaporated milk with pumpkin puree and cheese off-heat before adding to the hot pasta to prevent curdling and ensure a silky, smooth sauce texture.
Layer Flavors with Fresh Herbs ✨
Reserve half your cilantro or parsley to stir in after cooking rather than before, preserving bright herbaceous notes that complement the earthy pumpkin beautifully.
Quick Release Timing Technique ⏱️
Wait 2-3 minutes after the beep before quick releasing pressure to allow residual heat to finish cooking the pasta without overshooting, preventing that overly soft texture.
Boost Umami with Extra Cheddar 🧀
Stir in aged sharp cheddar (not just mild) to deepen savory complexity that balances the sweetness of pumpkin and elevates the entire dish to restaurant quality.