Imagine diving into a creamy, decadent mac and cheese that transforms an ordinary comfort food into a gourmet experience – all made in just 30 minutes with your Instant Pot! This Lobster Mac isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, succulent taste of fresh lobster with the classic cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an indulgent meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely. Ensure lobster meat is cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Add elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir ingredients to combine and ensure pasta is evenly distributed.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully moving the valve to venting position.
- Open lid and immediately stir the pasta, checking for al dente consistency. If pasta needs more moisture, add a small amount of additional milk.
- Fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese is completely melted and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Gently fold in chopped lobster meat, ensuring even distribution throughout the mac and cheese.
- Let mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional lobster meat if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality lobster meat for the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked lobster works great, but ensure it's not overcooked.
- Choose a sharp cheddar cheese that melts smoothly to create a rich, creamy sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Old Bay seasoning to give your mac and cheese a subtle kick.
- Be precise with liquid measurements to achieve the perfect pasta consistency. Too little liquid can result in undercooked pasta, while too much can make the dish too runny.
- Perform a quick pressure release immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking the pasta and maintain its al dente texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- For a golden, crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a broiler-safe dish and add breadcrumbs before briefly broiling for a crunchy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
