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–+ servings

Panera Mac And Cheese

Angela Milnes
Recreate the creamy, indulgent comfort of Panera’s Mac and Cheese at home! Rich, velvety cheese sauce coats tender pasta in this copycat recipe, delivering the same delicious flavor you love. It’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal anytime!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 453 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pound Pasta Shells
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Salt
  • 4 Tablespoons Margarine
  • 8 Ounces shredded White Cheddar Cheese
  • 6 Slices White American Cheese
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add your medium shells, butter, and kosher salt to the Instant Pot
  • Add 4 cups of water, and then give the mixture a good stir making sure each pasta shell has been mixed with the water.
  • Close the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the valve to sealed position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  • It will take about 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure.
  • Once the time is up, manually release in the Instant Pot by pulling the valve to you and opening it. Be sure to open using a towel or hot pad.
  • Remove some of the water from the pot. No need to make sure all is gone, just a bit.
  • Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, sliced white American cheese, and milk to the cooked pasta. Mix until fully incorporated.
  • The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese.
  • Serve your copycat panera mac and cheese bowls with a little black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Prepare: Panera macaroni and cheese can be made ahead of time. Just cook the pasta shells according to the instructions in the recipe, and then add all of the remaining ingredients.
Freeze: Panera Mac and Cheese can be frozen. Just make sure to place in a freezer bag or airtight container, and that it is completely cooled before freezing.
Thaw: When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in your refrigerator.
Reheat: To reheat Panera Mac and Cheese, place in a lightly oiled baking dish. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until hot and bubbly. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 966mgPotassium: 218mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 733IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 417mgIron: 1mg
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