Smoky Macaroni & Cheese – Instant Pot

Want a quick easy meal for those evenings when you’re exhausted and really don’t feel like cooking dinner? Well here you go. You can be done with this meal in under a half hour and your family won’t have a clue about how little effort you put into it. Hope you enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Italian Sausage – Ground (optional ingredient)
• 1 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Olive Oil
• 3 Cups Elbow Pasta (uncooked)
• 3 1/2 Cups Water
• 1 tsp Salt
• 3 Tbsp Butter
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 4 Cups Shredded Cheese (I use Sharp Cheddar)
• 1/4 Cup Milk

If you plan to use the sausage, then turn Instant Pot to sautee and add olive oil, sausage and 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika. Cook until sausage is done. Turn off. (If not using sausage, skip this step and start with next step)

Now add water, elbow pasta, and salt. Stir, put lid on with vent sealed. Use manual high pressure and cook for 3 minutes. When done quick release. Once pressure is released remove lid and add butter, rest of smoked paprika and pepper, stir. Add cheese and milk, stir until cheese is melted. Sauce will thicken after a couple minutes. *tip: If sauce is not as thick as you like turn on sautee and stir in a slurry of 1Tbsp cornstarch and 2 Tbsp milk, cook for another minute while stirring.

Serve with a salad or other greens. Enjoy.