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.
You may see links in this post that lead to our sales page of products we recommend. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support. 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 Mitts
Instant 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 all of the cheese, 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
Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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
- 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 all cheeses, 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
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Amount Per Serving Calories 243Saturated Fat 1gCholesterol 8mgSodium 740mgCarbohydrates 39gSugar 3gProtein 12g
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 these 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
Emilee
Tuesday 28th of July 2020
If you don’t have a instant pot, would a slow cooker work? Thanks for reading and responding in advance(:
Michele Brosius
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
Yes. I would cook pasta in chicken stock. Drain and reserve 1 cup of stock. Add pasta, reserved stock, and all other ingredients to a slow cooker with a liner or sprayed with non-cook spray and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. (keep an eye on it, depending on your crock pot) Thanks!
Rebecca
Sunday 9th of February 2020
Made it and it was very tasty and filling. At first it was more loose than I expected but once it set for a few minutes it thickened up.
Michele Brosius
Wednesday 12th of February 2020
Glad it worked out and you enjoyed it.
Ellen
Thursday 12th of September 2019
I’ve made this twice now and it’s delicious but there a couple things that I found out. The instructions do not say to drain the pasta. If you don’t, there’s too much liquid. Also, quick release with pasta can spew pasta residue everywhere so just inlet it release on its own. Also, if you don’t have instapot liners, you need to use oil to coat the pot.
There are no servings listed so I’m assuming about 1 cup is 7 points?
I used 2% milk out of convenience and vegetable stock and it was fantastic. Thanks for the recipe. I just wanted to provide My feedback. This recipe is a keeper!
Debbie Gaydos
Wednesday 12th of June 2019
I'm making this right now, it looks really good! I'm assuming the grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar go in after the natural release, along with the Velveeta slices?
Michele Brosius
Wednesday 12th of June 2019
Yes. All cheese after the natural release. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll fix it up!
Brienne
Sunday 31st of March 2019
Is there any kind of cheese you can use instead of the velveeta "cheese"?
Michele Brosius
Friday 5th of April 2019
You can use any cheese you like, it will just change the point count. Good luck! Thanks Michele