Weight Watchers Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Comfort food on Weight Watchers?  Yes, you can have it when you make this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.  With only 7 SmartPoints per serving, this is a perfect option for a comfort food meal that the entire family will love.

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Ever since beginning Weight Watchers, I have been on the search for a truly good macaroni and cheese recipe that would satisfy my need for comfort food without blowing all of my points for the day.  Using my Instant Pot was a bonus, for sure, and this recipe became a fast favorite.  It’s done in just a few minutes and the entire family loves it.

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

One thing you will notice in this recipe is a specific cheese.  You can easily use any low fat or low point value cheese, but I found the best flavor and creamy texture came from using Velveeta Original Cheese Slices in particular.  These are only 1 SmartPoint per slice, and they work wonderfully to melt and provide that comforting cheesy texture you are looking for in a mac and cheese recipe.

I use the 6  quart Instant Pot. I didn’t think I was going to like using an electric pressure cooker, (sale link) but now I am hooked. My poor crockpots are sitting around collecting dust. Which model do you use?

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and WarmerInstant Pot Mini MittsInstant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer

Ingredients for Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

12 ounces whole wheat shell pasta

4 cups low-fat and low-sodium chicken stock

1 cup fat-free half and half

6 slices Velveeta Original cheese slices (must be slices, not the block)

1/4 cup Parmesan, grated

1/4 cup Fat-Free Cheddar, shredded

1 tablespoon margarine

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions for Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Pour pasta, half and half, and chicken stock into Instant Pot liner and stir.

Place lid on Instant Pot and set to seal.

Choose manual and set to 5 minutes.

Allow to come to pressure, cook, and when complete NPR (natural pressure release) for 2 minutes.  Release remaining pressure, and set to saute.

Add in cheese slices, margarine, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix well. Stir consistently until completely melted.

Turn off saute feature and taste.  May add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Print

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat shell pasta
• 4 cups low-fat and low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup fat-free half and half
• 6 slices Velveeta Original cheese slices
• 1/4 cup Parmesan grated
• 1/4 cup Fat-Free Cheddar shredded
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Pour pasta, half and half, and chicken stock into Instant Pot liner and stir.
2. Place lid on Instant Pot and set to seal.
3. Choose manual and set to 5 minutes.
4. Allow to come to pressure, cook, and when complete NPR (natural pressure release) for 2 minutes. Release remaining pressure, and set to saute.
5. Add in cheese slices, margarine, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix well. Stir consistently until completely melted.
6. Turn off saute feature and taste. May add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Amount Per Serving (8 g)

Calories 243 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g 8%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 8mg 3%

Sodium 740mg 31%

Potassium 282mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 39g 13%

Sugars 3g

Protein 12g 24%

Vitamin A 2.3%

Vitamin C 0.5%

Calcium 10.5%

Iron 10.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Makes 8 servings

7 SmartPoints per serving on Beyond the Scale, FreeStyle, and Flex Plans

Weight Watchers Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

I use the current SmartPoints plan and this calculates at 7 SmartPoints per serving.  That is when you divide the batch of Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese into 8 equal servings.  Since pasta shape and size differ, and you may choose to use elbow macaroni instead of shells, I don’t measure this recipe by “cup”.  Instead, I recommend measuring out 8 equal portions to get this approximate points value.

As you are doing Weight Watchers, you will likely notice that most vegetables are zero points.  Since this is a slightly higher point entree than some, you can easily keep its low point by serving up a hearty side of steamed vegetables.  Season with your favorite spices, and you have a completely satisfying meal that is healthy and fits into your points plan for the day easily.

More Weight Watchers Recipes:

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Weight Watchers Chicken Enchiladas