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.
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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.
Instant Pot Pasta
Making pasta in the Instant Pot is a super-convenient, quick, and handsfree process for these reasons:
- Simply add the pasta, water, and 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 to the recipes.
Stove Top Recipe
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
Here are my tips to make perfect Instant Pot pasta:
- Makes sure that the pasta is submerged in liquids
- Quick-release after the 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 Mac n 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, and 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 Cheese
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!
Serving
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 cheese 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 it. Then simply add a cup of hot water, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap to the Instant Pot, and 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!
★ Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it—I love seeing your creations. If you’re on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Spicy Masala Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Recipe Video
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!
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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Peter hill says
Hi is it possible to give your recipies to use in slow cooker.
Archana says
Hi Peter. Instant pot recipes can be used in slow cooker with increase in cook time
Noel says
You should've named your site ministry of masala, abbreviated to M.O.M ☺️, maybe the next site , love the recipe btw, just tooooo gooood
Archana says
Thank you! And love the idea of a new site 🙂
Janice T. says
Hello! I just made your recipe and it was delicious! Just curious, have you tried using other melting cheeses aside from cheddar? I'd love to experiment with them!
Archana says
Thank you! You can add any melting cheese you like to this recipe. I often use cheddar, Colby jack, and swiss cheese too!
Kristin says
This hit the spot - the balance between the cheesiness you expect with Mac and cheese and the Indian flavors is excellent.
Archana says
Thank you Kristin!
Danika Fonseca says
This recipe is super easy to follow! The food is ready quickly and its tasty! Something about this flavour here reminds me of Maggi two-minute noodles but its somehow kicked up a notch. I like that. My husband already wants me to make this again and I only made it last week.
Archana says
Yay! I am glad to see this recipe on your repeat menu.
Kaylyn says
Would I be able to double this recipe in a 6 quart instant pot? If so, how much broth do I use? Thank you.
Archana says
Hi Kaylyn, I would not double the recipe in 6 QT instant pot. When you double this recipe, it takes a long time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and the pasta gets overcooked. Also there wont be much room later for you to add cheeses and mix well.
Yash says
I was thinking of also adding diced tomatoes or tomato puree to this. What do you think of the idea? If so, how much should I add based on your experience?
Archana Mundhe says
Yes you can def add 1/2 cup of diced tomato to this recipe.