Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • Between 1 and 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on how much meat you like)
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 pound (12 oz) cavatappi, cellentani or elbow macaroni noodles
  • 3 cups water (or for more flavor you can use broth)
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 pound (8 oz) fresh broccoli florets 
  • 3/4 cup half and half, heavy cream, milk or evaporated milk
  • 1/2 pound (8 oz) grated medium or sharp cheddar (see note below)
  • Cornstarch, if needed

Instruction

  • Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. While it is heating up cut up your chicken into bite-size pieces. When the Instant Pot display says HOT add in the butter. When it is melted add in the chicken and saute lightly for 1-2 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Turn off the saute function.
  • Add in the pasta into a flat, even layer. Pour the water over the top to cover the pasta as much as possible. Sprinkle in the ground mustard and the salt.
  • Create a foil packet by placing broccoli florets (see note below) in the center of a piece of foil large enough to enclose the food one and a half times. Pull over one side, folding the edges to seal. Then fold the remaining two edges. Don’t seal the packet too tightly: you want to leave some room for the steam to expand. Place the foil packet on top of the pasta.
  • Cover the Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to “sealing.” Set the manual/pressure cook button to 3 minutes. When the time is up let the pot sit there for an additional 5 minutes and then move the valve to “venting.” Remove the lid, when you can.
  • Use hot pads to open up the foil packet. Stir the broccoli into the pot. Stir in the milk (your choice) and the cheese until it is melted.
  • If the mixture is too liquidy then you can prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the pot and turn the pot to the saute function. Stir constantly until thick. The mac and cheese will thicken up in a minute or two.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!