Pressure-Cooker Mac & Cheese

5.0
(3)
2 Reviews

Make a healthier version of classic macaroni and cheese with this recipe that adds broccoli for a nutritional boost and an easy way to eat more vegetables. Using an electric pressure cooker, such as the InstantPot, gets dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.

By
Devon O'Brien
Devon O’Brien
Devon O'Brien

As EatingWell's former Senior Food Editor, Devon handled all things weeknight dinner and fast meal solutions. She also worked in the EatingWell Test Kitchen developing and testing recipes and shooting how-to videos. In her current position at Allrecipes, she's focused on all the hottest food trends, new products and ideas and best hacks pertaining to cooking.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 19, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Pressure-Cooker Mac & Cheese
Prep Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
High-Calcium Bone-Health Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian High-Protein Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini (about 3 cups)

  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • ¾ cup low-fat milk

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 cups frozen baby broccoli florets, thawed and patted dry

  • 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

  • 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

Directions

  1. Combine pasta, broth, milk, salt and pepper in an electric pressure cooker. Close and lock the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes.

  2. Release the pressure. Add broccoli, Cheddar and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir again and serve.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, February 2017

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

390 Calories
16g Fat
47g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size Generous 1 cup
Calories 390
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
Dietary Fiber 8g 30%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 19g 37%
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Vitamin A 1631IU 33%
Vitamin C 33mg 37%
Folate 44mcg 11%
Sodium 611mg 27%
Calcium 310mg 24%
Iron 2mg 12%
Magnesium 70mg 17%
Potassium 295mg 6%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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