Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Mac is one of my top ways to cook pasta in the instant pot. I love how creamy this recipe is and from the indicator that there’s hardly ever any left, I think it’s safe to say that the rest of the family agrees, too.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy mac and cheese recipe, seriously – look no further.

Make sure to check out my other 30 Minute Instant Pot Recipes so that you can plan out your meals easily for the month.

I love having a ton of great instant pot recipes to choose from each and every day! I’m all about having an easy dinner plan!

Using a pressure cooker to make this Instant Pot mac and cheese will literally change the way that you make it moving forward.

The cheddar cheese with ham is so creamy and good, you’re going to want to have a never-ending bowl of this goodness.

Table of Contents

Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Mac

Since the Instant Pot takes over and does the majority of the cooking, this recipe is really fast and easy to do.

I highly recommend this for a busy weeknight meal because it’s hearty and one of those “stick to your ribs” types of dinners.

My boys always love when I cook with the Instant Pot but this simple pasta dish is one of their very favorites to enjoy! I do love the combination of salty ham and cheese as well.

Can you freeze mac and cheese?

I really don’t think it’s a good idea. Due to the creaminess and the cooked pasta, this recipe is meant to be enjoyed fresh once it’s cooked.

Specialty Ingredients:

The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.

Reminder, not all ingredients in the Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for

Shop My Kitchen:

The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

Must Have Resources:

When making Mac and Cheese in the Pressure Cooker at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.

Instant Pot

Make it a Meal:

Now is the time to give meal planning a try. It’s often talked about in a way that makes it sound stressful and hard but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Meal planning actually saves me stress and time and I love using it as a handy tool!

Vegetable Side: Simple and Tasty George Foreman Vegetarian Recipes

Starch Side: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Refreshing Drink: New Years Eve Drinks for Kids

Don’t forget Dessert: Delicious Reese’s Pieces Puppy Chow Recipe

Best Pasta Recipes:

Once you make this Simple Mac & Cheese Recipe, you’re going to be craving even more hearty meals. I’ve gathered up some of my favorite pasta recipes that I think you’re going to love as well.

This Hearty Baked Chicken and Pasta Recipe has so many yummy flavors.

Don’t miss out on this Buffalo Style Pasta Salad that adds a little kick.

Fill up your plate with this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!

Make this Creamy Pasta and Broccoli recipe when the weather starts to turn cold!

You’re going to crave this Italian Sausage and Pasta dish!

My kids love this Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe and ask for it all the time!

This simple list of Healthy Chicken Pasta Recipes will have you asking for one more scoop!

What are some tips for making this easy pasta recipe?

One of the best things that I love to do is use leftover ham for this recipe. It makes it fast and easy and so good! I also like to mix in some sour cream and hot sauce as well for a totally creamy texture and spice flavor!

More Macaroni Recipes:

Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Mac

Use your Instant Pot to make a creamy and yummy mac and cheese recipe!

Ingredients

16 ounces of elbow macaroni
1 T of butter
1 diced onion
2 cloves of minced garlic (or garlic powder if you don't have any minced)
6 cups of water
2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese
3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups of diced ham
½ cup of sour cream
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Put your Instant Pot on saute mode and heat it until it's "hot". Add in the onion and butter and cook until the onion is soft. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic. Turn off the saute mode.
Add in the water, macaroni, salt, and ham. Don't stir.
Put on the lid and set the valve to sealing. Turn the Instant Pot to "manual/pressure cook" for 6 minutes. Quick release when the cooking cycle is done.
Stir in the sour cream, swiss cheese, plus 2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Top with the rest of the cheese and place the lid back on. This will melt the topped cheese and absorb whatever water is left.