Creamy Instant Pot Cheesy Rotini Delight
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese, where spiraled rotini pasta meets a rich blend of cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, and savory chicken broth. This hearty dish is not only quick to whip up in a 6 qt. Instant Pot, but it also combines comfort and convenience in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit various pasta shapes. Make sure to enjoy this cheesy delight straight from the pot – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
466
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
1 lb (dry)
Chicken broth
4 cups (liquid)
Butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups (canned)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by adding the rotini pasta, chicken broth, butter, and a pinch of salt into your Instant Pot.
2
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'pressure cooker' or 'manual' on high for 5 minutes. Once the pressure is reached, the cooking will commence.
3
When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. If broth splashes out during release, slow down to avoid mess.
4
After the pressure has fully released and the lid is safely removed, switch the Instant Pot to 'saute' mode.
5
Pour in the evaporated milk and stir well to combine with the pasta.
6
Gradually add in the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve warm and savor the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
42g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is best for this Instant Pot recipe?
This recipe uses rotini pasta, but you can adjust it to suit other similar pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if needed.
How long does the rotini cook in the Instant Pot?
The pasta should be cooked on high pressure for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
Should I use a natural or quick release for the pressure?
You should perform a quick release. If the broth starts to splash out, slow the release down to prevent a mess.
What size Instant Pot is recommended for this dish?
A 6 qt. Instant Pot is the ideal size for preparing this recipe.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich and classic flavor.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
The recipe specifies evaporated milk for a creamier texture, but you could substitute regular milk, though the sauce may be thinner.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 4 cups of chicken broth to cook the pasta.
Do I need to drain the liquid after cooking the pasta?
No, do not drain the liquid. The remaining broth combines with the evaporated milk and cheese to create the sauce.
When do I add the cheese and milk?
Add the evaporated milk and shredded cheese after the pressure has been released and you have switched the pot to saute mode.
How many calories are in one serving of this rotini?
There are approximately 466 calories per serving.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal where everything is cooked and combined in the Instant Pot.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 17g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 25g of fat per serving in this cheesy pasta dish.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming clumpy?
Gradually add the cheddar cheese while stirring continuously on the saute setting until the sauce is smooth.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a direct substitute if you prefer a vegetarian-friendly base.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: rotini, chicken broth, butter, evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is designed as a quick dinner option, taking only 5 minutes of active pressure cooking time.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests salt and pepper to taste, you can add garlic powder or paprika for more depth.
What if I don't have rotini pasta?
You can substitute with other medium-sized pasta like elbow macaroni or shells, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How should this dish be served?
It is best served warm, straight from the Instant Pot, to maintain its creamy consistency.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
What is the preparation for the rotini?
The rotini should be added to the pot dry (uncooked).
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the creamy and cheesy nature of this rotini delight makes it a hit with both children and adults.
Can I use a 3 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot?
While a 6 qt is recommended, an 8 qt will work fine. A 3 qt might be too small for the 1 lb of pasta and 4 cups of broth.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Sugar content is not specified, but the main ingredients are savory in nature.
Is it necessary to use saute mode at the end?
Yes, switching to saute mode helps heat the milk and melt the cheese efficiently into a smooth sauce.
What makes this a 'delight'?
The combination of rich cheddar, evaporated milk, and the convenience of the Instant Pot makes it a comforting and delightful meal.