Creamy cozy mac and cheese with a surprise spin! This mouthwatering Spicy Masala Mac n Cheese is cooked with warm flavorful spices that add an exotic taste to the classic dish! My go-to recipe especially when I am craving hot, comforting spicy foods.
This EASY Instant Pot Mac n Cheese recipe uses fresh jalapeños, ginger and garlic paste along with a few staple spices to add a fiery kick that blends in perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
The best part of this recipe is that you can adapt the recipe to your spice level. Add more or fewer jalapeños or skip them, add more or less red chili powder but do use good quality garam masala and cumin powder. I love to add the red peppers which are a staple in my fridge as they last for weeks and they add a burst of color to make this pasta look pretty & festive. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro (if you like) & red pepper flakes (to taste) and this pasta is sure to awaken your taste buds.
Why I love making pasta in the Instant Pot:
Making pasta in the Instant Pot is the super-convenient, quick, and handsfree process for these reasons:
- Simply add the pasta, water, salt and walk away
- No more fear of foaming starchy pasta water spilling over your stove
- Love the starch water that helps make pasta creamy, no need to drain the hot water
Note: Not having to drain out the boiling hot water is important for me for 2 reasons. I feel it’s a safer method for my kids who often make pasta and is also safer for the elderly audience. Secondly, the starchy water makes for naturally creamy and flavorful pasta, and you need to add less cream or butter in the recipes.
Don’t have an Instant pot?
I have you covered as I don’t want you to miss out on these awesome flavors. Just scroll down and check out my stovetop recipe in the recipe card.
Tips to make perfect Instant Pot pasta:
- Makes sure that the pasta is submerged under liquids
- Quick-release after pressure cooking cycle is complete, if you see foam coming out, do a slow quick release by turning the pressure release valve slightly towards venting so the pressure releases slowly. Make sure you press cancel on the Instant Pot while doing this so the pasta does not overcook
- Always stir in cream, cheese, etc. after the pressure cooking cycle completes
How to make Instant Pot Masala Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Sauté veggies, add spices & pasta
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & heat oil. Add onions, peppers & jalapeno & saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions start to soften. Turn off sauté mode. Add ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, salt & mix well. Add pasta & broth. Mix well making sure all the pasta is under the liquids. Close the Instant Pot & Pressure cook for 4 mins.
Step 2: Add milk and cheeses
Do a slow quick release & open the lid. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & add milk. Add the cheeses handful at a time & stir well. Add more milk if needed. Continue to stir until the cheeses are well incorporated making a smooth creamy sauce. Turn off the sauté mode once all the cheese has melted
Step 3: Garnish
This is an optional step but highly recommended if you like spicy dishes and love cilantro. Stir in more red chili flakes & cilantro. Enjoy piping hot!
What to serve with Spicy Masala Mac and Cheese
I like to serve it with a crunchy salad like the Mango Salad with peanuts, Kale Almond Salad, or Fiesta Quinoa Salad. Protein dishes such as Chicken skewers, Tandoori Chicken Wings, or Salmon kabobs also compliments the pasta nicely to make a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Don’t forget to make some cooling drinks to serve with this spicy Indian pasta. Here are some that are popular in my home:
Frequently asked questions
To adjust the pressure cook time for the type of pasta you are using, simply half the cook time on the pasta package. The pasta I used in this recipe has a stovetop cook time of 8 minutes. So I pressure cooked it for 4 minutes. If you like al dente pasta or if you are using gluten-free pasta further reduce the pressure cook time by 1 minute.
If you are cooking pasta ahead of time, feel free to pressure cook for only 3 minutes as the pasta continues to absorb moisture and continue to soften over time.
If you are making pasta ahead of time, cook the pasta al dente and add the additional milk and cheeses when you are ready to serve. This also makes it easier to clean up the Instant Pot pasta that will have some cheese sticking to it.
Pasta continues to absorb the liquids as it sits making it dry over time. To reheat simply sprinkle a few spoons of warm milk or water over the pasta and then reheat in the microwave.
The bottom of the Instant Pot can get sticky with all the cheese in this recipe. I would suggest you take out any leftover pasta right away and refrigerate. Then simply add a cup of hot water, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap to the Instant Pot, steam for 2 minutes. Dump out all the liquids and then clean the pot with a dishwasher sponge and soap.
Did you like how easy it is to make pasta in the Instant Pot? Check out some more of my family favorites like the Pasta Caprese & Spicy Taco Pasta in my Instant Pot Pasta Recipes Collection!
★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.
Spicy Masala Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup red pepper diced
- 1 to 2 jalapeños finely diced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder or any mild chili powder, add less if using a spicier variety
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth I use 4 teaspoons of Better than Bouillion vegetable broth paste mixed in 4 cups of water
- 1 cup 2% milk or whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & heat oil. Add onions, peppers & jalapeno & saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions start to soften. Turn off sauté mode.
- Add ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, salt & mix well. Add pasta & broth. Close the Instant Pot & Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
- Quick release & open the lid. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode & add milk. Add the cheeses handful at a time & stir well. Add more milk if needed. Continue to stir until the cheeses are well incorporated making a smooth creamy sauce. Turn off the saute mode once all the cheese is melted. Garnish with red chili flakes & cilantro. Enjoy hot!
Stove Top Recipe
- Boil the pasta as per the package instructions, drain the water, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot or work and add onions, peppers & jalapenos. Saute for 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat or until the onions turn translucent stirring frequently
- Add ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, salt & mix well cooking for another minute. Add the cooked pasta, ½ cup of water, and mix well until the pasta is heated through
- Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in milk. Add the cheeses handful at a time & stir well. Add more milk if needed. Continue to stir until the cheeses are well incorporated making a smooth creamy sauce. Turn off the heat once all the cheese has melted. Garnish with red chili flakes & cilantro. Enjoy hot!
Video
Notes
- Makes sure that the pasta is submerged under liquids
- Quick-release after pressure cooking cycle is complete, if you see foam coming out, do a slow quick release by turning the pressure release valve slightly towards venting so the pressure releases slowly. Make sure you press cancel on the Instant Pot while doing this so the pasta does not overcook
- Always stir in cream, cheese, etc. after the pressure cooking cycle completes
- To adjust the pressure cook time for the type of pasta you are using, simply half the cook time on the pasta package. The pasta I used in this recipe has a stovetop cook time of 8 minutes. So I pressure cooked it for 4 minutes
- If you like al dente pasta or if you are using gluten-free pasta further reduce the pressure cook time by 1 minute
- If you are cooking pasta ahead of time, feel free to pressure cook for only 3 minutes as the pasta continues to absorb moisture and continue to soften over time
Nutrition
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BV says
Hi! Is there a substitute if I don’t have vegetable broth
Archana says
Water and salt.
Jessica says
This is a staple in our home and we absolutely love it. It has just the right amount of heat and the flavors are amazing. You can even sneak extra veggies in and it still feels like a comforting treat!
Shreta says
Hi Archana, this recipe looks amazing.
Do the bell peppers become soft and mushy when you cook them for so long in the IP? I love your taco pasta recipe and make it all the time. But since we love veggies in our pasta I sauté the bell peppers separately and add them in.
Thank you for posting these great recipes.
Archana says
They are soft but nut mushy. We love the textures they go well with the creamy pasta. You can always add them later if you like them crunchy
Jyothsna Pabba says
Made it today cooked in IP for 3 mins and came out perfect, my kids loved it. My hubby usually hates mac and cheese, he completed his bowl too
Archana says
Thank you!
Tim L says
Just made this and turned out fantastic! I added bacon just because lol
Mal says
Made this on the stovetop and it was yummy! But couldn’t figure out what the broth was for?
Archana says
For the Instant Pot recipe, I cook pasta in broth instead of plain water for added flavors.
Soumi says
Hi. Can we use Mozarella cheese instead of Pepper Jack & Cheddar cheese?
Archana says
yes you can
m says
Hello Archana, A quick question: Can I substitute almond milk for regular milk? Also appreciate suggestions for substitutes of pepper jack cheese. Thanks!
Archana says
yes you can use almond milk and you can use cheese of your choice.
SR says
Made this tonight and it was a hit! Thank you.
Yogita says
Made this today and loved it .!!
Best version to Indian Mac and cheese .!!
Monica says
Very much enjoyed the infusion of Indian flavors with this recipe! It is spicy (used two jalapeños)!
Manasa says
Tried today so yummy & tasty & quickly to make
Ruchita says
I made this once this week and it was sooooo simple and delicious that I ended up making it again for my family and ripped it off. It was a nice surprise for them. My husband and I have added this easy and delicious recipe to our meal plan. Thank you.
Jennifer says
Hi Archana
I made this today and it was so delicious and quick to make.
My husband and kids loved it too.
Happy New year and thank you for all your IP recipes.
Jennifer
Patty Bauer says
I made this tonight but it came out very soupy! I gave it 5 stars because the taste was phenomenal. Should I decrease milk next time?
Archana says
You can, but as it cooks down the pasta absorbs lots of that extra liquids.
Rita says
I don’t have Instant Pot. Can this be cooked in a pressure cooker.
Thanks
Archana says
Yes! you can do 1 to 2 whistles depending on the cook-time for the pasta you are using. You can also cook this pasta on the stove top.
Devon says
As a huge fan of a classic mac & cheese, this recipe peeked my interest, and I’m glad I gave it a try because it is absolutely fantastic! It’s perfectly spicy, cheesy, and oh so flavourful. I topped mine with the suggested cilantro, but also added some sliced green onion and fresh diced tomatoes (cored). This will definitely be in heavy rotation!
Vivek Reddy says
This reminds me of a dish my mom makes with pieces of chapati dough cooked in spicy dal. Very similar taste. Really good.
Neha says
This was a great change from normal mac and cheese, and was comfort in a bowl!
Nam says
This was a Huge hit for me and my family!!!!
I loved the flavors and how you can add more vegetables etc!!!
It was great !!!! Your ideas are always so innovative and cooking them is a delight!
Nam says
Archana , I also made mine on the stovetop not instant pot but the recipe again was great!
Des says
Hi
Can I possibly use this recipe to make fried Mac n cheese balls?
If so, how to do I adjust the recipe if needed?
Thanks!
Archana says
Hi, I have not made fried mac n cheese balls but I LOVE the idea. I would make the mac and cheese or this recipe and then find another recipe to make the outer shell for balls and fry them