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Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Indulgent Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese in Minutes

Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a comforting meal that satisfies cravings and is quick to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 medium Butternut Squash Cubed
  • 8 oz Pasta Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Sweet or hot
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut milk can be a dairy-free alternative
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing
For the Flavor Base
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Sage Thyme can be a substitute
For the Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • Salt Salt To taste
  • Pepper Pepper To taste
  • 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water For sauce consistency

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Baking sheet
  • skillet
  • Blender or Food Processor

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cube the butternut squash, toss in olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add Italian sausage, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  5. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Optionally, blend the roasted squash for a smooth sauce. Return to skillet with sautéed ingredients and sausage.
  7. Add heavy cream, sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  8. Mix in the drained pasta and adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For a vegetarian twist, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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