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    Home » Italian

    Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

    Published: Mar 21, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 26 Comments

    24105 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This unforgettable Mac and Cheese combines two all-time favorites! Creamy mac and cheese inspired by the ever-popular spinach and artichoke dip is the one-pot wonder you need in your life! This pasta dish is luscious, as mac and cheese should be, yet much lighter than the classic version. Instant Pot Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese is simple but elevated and so very satisfying!

    Note: Original post published in Dec 2017 has been updated with new photos and a video.

    Light and Creamy

    Unlike a typical mac and cheese, this recipe uses broth and starchy pasta water to create a heavenly pasta-coating sauce with only a few tablespoons each of parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese. No heavy cream, no butter, and no flour needed! The mix of garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, and tangy cream cheese with the veggies truly captures the essence of spinach and artichoke dip–in pasta form!! Yumm!!!!

    Jump to:
    • Light and Creamy
    • Eating Your Greens Never Tasted This Good! 
    • The Easiest Mac and Cheese
    • Elevated and Interesting
    • Why we love this Instant Pot Pasta
    • Ingredient Spotlight
    • Steps
    • How to make perfect Instant Pot Pasta
    • Serving
    • Storing
    • Variations
    • FAQ's
    • More Recipes
    • Recipe

    Eating Your Greens Never Tasted This Good! 

    Tender baby spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and a lovely vibrant green. The fresh spinach and jarred artichokes complement the creamy sauce and pasta amazingly well, adding body and layers of flavor. This is a great dish for getting in those servings of greens for kids and adults!

    The Easiest Mac and Cheese

    Pasta in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. There’s no need to drain the water as it becomes part of the sauce, making this a great dish for kids learning to cook. A one-pot dish with pasta and veggies that only takes 30 minutes and is worthy of dinner party status? That’s the kind of weeknight dinner the whole family can look forward to! It also makes a stellar side dish!

    spinach artichoke macaroni and cheese

    Elevated and Interesting

    Instant Pot Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese is the grown-up mac and cheese we deserve. It’s delicious, interesting, guilt-free, and versatile! From pot-lucks to BBQs, dinner parties, and girls’ night in, everyone will be asking for this recipe! It’s cozy in the winter, but light enough for warmer months and we love a recipe we can enjoy year-round!

    Why we love this Instant Pot Pasta

    ✔️ Quick and EASY one-pot meal
    ✔️ Loved by Kids and Adults! A delicious way to get in those greens! 
    ✔️ Canned artichokes & baby spinach add so much flavor, little to no prep or clean-up 
    ✔️ Add your favorite cheeses, and as much or as little as you like! We love just the right amount of cream cheese, parmesan, and ooey-gooey mozzarella in this recipe.

    Ingredient Spotlight

    • Pasta - Use your favorite pasta shells, you can even use gluten free pasta in this recipe
    • Spinach - Triple washed organic baby spinach works perfectly for this recipe. It’s ready to use, simply toss in the pot when the recipe calls for. What an easy way to add essential nutrients and fiber to your meal! 
    • Artichokes - Marinated jarred or canned artichoke hearts will work for this recipe. Pressure cooking the artichokes with the pasta makes them so tender, they blend right in. 

    Steps

    Here is a step by step recipe with photos explaining how to cook the perfect Instant Pot mac n cheese:

    • Heat oil, add onion, and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir well cooking for a minute. Add artichoke hearts and sauté for another minute. Stir in the uncooked pasta, broth, and water. Mix well and gently push the pasta under the liquids. (photos 1 - 4)
    photos one through four of making mac n cheese in the instant pot
    • Close Instant Pot with pressure valve to sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes followed by a quick release.
    • Open Instant Pot, give a quick stir to the pasta. Gently fold the spinach into the pasta and cook on sauté mode for a couple of minutes as the spinach wilts. Add cream cheese, mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Add red pepper flakes and mix everything well until the cheeses blend well in the pasta. (Photos 5 - 8)
    photos five through eight of making spinach artichoke mac n cheese in the instant pot

    How to make perfect Instant Pot Pasta

    • Most of the pasta should be submerged under liquids. Depending on the shape and size of the pasta used you may need more or less liquids.
    • Each pasta shape has a different cook time. To cook in an Instant pot, pressure cook it for - half the cook time on the package and minus 1 minute - So if the Pasta says 10 minutes, pressure cook it for 4 minutes. This same formula works when cooking gluten-free pasta in the Instant Pot
    • Quick-release after pressure cooking cycle is complete
    • Always stir in cream, cheese, etc after the pressure cooking cycle

    Serving

    Spinach Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese is perfect for lunch or dinner! Serve it as is or pair it with your favorite salad. We often enjoy it with Arugula Salad or Kale Salad. Serve it at your next get-together, potluck, or Thanksgiving meal alongside green beans, sweet potato casserole, roasted cauliflower, and jalapeno cheese cornbread.

    Storing

    Variations

    • Add more or less cheese depending on how creamy you like the pasta to be
    • All the cheese can be substituted to low fat cheeses for a lighter take
    • Add a cup of milk instead of water after the pressure cooking cycle for added protein and calcium
    • To make spicy mac n cheese add extra red chili flakes or skip them altogether for non-spicy pasta

    FAQ's

    How to adjust the Instant Pot Pasta Cook times for different pasta shapes

    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.

    How to make ahead pasta

    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.

    How to reheat pasta

    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.

    How to clean Instant Pot insert after cooking mac n cheese

    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, steam for 2 minutes. Dump out all the liquids and then clean the pot with a dishwasher sponge and soap.

    More Recipes

    Do you enjoy the ease and convenience of making pasta in Instant Pot? Here are some more pasta recipes:

    • Pasta Caprese – Pasta tossed with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar
    • Penne Alla Vodka – Italian classic pasta dish made in a creamy tomato, garlic, vodka sauce
    • Creamy Tomato Pasta – Incredibly creamy and delicious pasta  with an EASY recipe
    • Spicy Taco Pasta – Spicy taco pasta with ground chicken, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and cheese
    • Spinach Mushroom Lasagna – Lasagna layered with spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese 

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese pasta served in a black plates
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.19 from 69 votes

    Spinach Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

    Lightened up combination of the classic mac and cheese with the healthy addition of spinach, artichoke and garlic
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 387kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium onion finely diced
    • 5 garlic cloves minced
    • ¾ cup artichoke hearts drained and rough chopped, I like Trader Joe's bottled marinated artichokes
    • ½ lb uncooked macaroni shells or any pasta
    • 6 oz baby spinach
    • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
    • 1 cup water
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature room temperature
    • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
    • ½ cup mozzarella cheese grated

    Instructions

    • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil. Add onion and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes with a glass lid on.
    • Add garlic and stir well cooking for a minute. Add artichoke hearts and sauté for another minute.
    • Add uncooked pasta, broth, and water. Mix well. Make sure that most of the pasta is under the liquids. Note: Each pasta shape is different and you may need more or less water.
    • Close Instant Pot with pressure valve to sealing. Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes followed by Quick Release.
    • Open Instant Pot, give a quick stir to the pasta. If the pasta looks dry-ish add another cup of broth, water, or low-fat milk
    • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and gently fold the spinach into the pasta and cook just until the spinach starts to wilt.
    • Add cream cheese, mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Add red pepper flakes and mix everything well until the cheeses blend well in the pasta. Enjoy hot!

    Video

    Notes

    1. Each pasta shape requires a different amount of water. Make sure most of the pasta is under the liquids before closing the Instant pot.
    2. Cook time for the elbow macaroni was 8 minutes. Half that cook time for Instant Pot and pressure cook for 4 minutes. 
    3. To adjust the pressure cook time for the other types of pasta, simply half the cook time on the pasta package. If you like al dente pasta or if you are using gluten-free pasta further reduce the pressure cook time by 1 minute.
    4. 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.
    5. Pasta will continue 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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6g | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4251IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Please share your food photo with hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Thank you and Happy Cooking ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Laura says

      February 21, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      In step 7 should that be remaining broth, not water?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 21, 2018 at 7:22 pm

        Hi Laura, Yes that should be the 1 cup of broth.

        Reply
    2. Marilyn says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:10 pm

      I’d like to see more recipes

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 20, 2018 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you Marilyn, Are there specific recipes you are looking for?

        Reply
    3. Jerri says

      July 20, 2018 at 12:26 pm

      Marinated canned artichoke hearts or water-packed artichoke hearts?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 20, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        I used marinated artichokes. But either will work

        Reply
        • Vijaya says

          April 18, 2019 at 10:06 pm

          Hi can I use wheat pasta ?

          Reply
          • Archana says

            April 18, 2019 at 10:09 pm

            Yes just check out the notes on cook time

            Reply
    4. IPnewbie says

      July 28, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      What size can for the artichokes?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 29, 2018 at 5:53 pm

        12 to 14 ounces can

        Reply
        • IPnewbie says

          July 29, 2018 at 6:31 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply
    5. Leah says

      March 16, 2019 at 11:46 am

      Can this be made ahead of time and reheated?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm

        yes! It works well.

        Reply
    6. Colleen says

      January 21, 2020 at 10:47 pm

      This was tasty and easy! I used whole wheat pasta (Barilla) and it worked fine. We like veggies so I would probably add more spinach. And maybe try a more melty cheese like fontina or asiago next time. The mozzarella kind of clumped up and I ended up adding another T. or so of cream cheese to make it creamier. Yummy and fast though!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 22, 2020 at 11:17 am

        Thank you for the feedback. I think fontina or asiago will work great.

        Reply
    7. Tanuja says

      March 15, 2020 at 3:29 am

      What’s the pressure cook time if I don’t want quick release?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 15, 2020 at 8:54 am

        Pressure cook for 1 minute and then allow full NPR

        Reply
    8. Pavz says

      December 02, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      I made this today and the response I got from the children are “when did you become a 5 star chef”. “Where did this come from” . “ It is actually very good”. For me it is “5 min job” but I am not saying that loud.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        December 03, 2020 at 10:10 pm

        Thank you so much!!!!

        Reply
    9. Protima Advani says

      March 12, 2021 at 9:08 am

      Hi Archana,,
      Does your rule for cook time for pasta in IP work for GF pasta too? Also can I use frozen spinach? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 12, 2021 at 11:02 am

        Yes! With gluten-free pasta I always - half the cooking time on the pasta package and then reduce 1 min. So if the package says 10 mins, I will pressure cook for 4 mins. You can use frozen spinach, just thaw it in the microwave for a few seconds.

        Reply
    10. Viji says

      November 12, 2021 at 4:27 pm

      Hey, in the ingredients it says 1/2 lb of pasta. What does that mean?

      Reply
      • Viji says

        November 12, 2021 at 4:32 pm

        Sorry got confused. please ignore my message

        Reply
        • Archana says

          November 14, 2021 at 11:19 pm

          no worries.

          Reply
      • Archana says

        November 14, 2021 at 11:19 pm

        1/2 box of pasta.

        Reply
    11. Rabia says

      January 25, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      I love how easy, customizable, and DELICIOUS this recipe is! Thank you!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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