Name: Sweet Potato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium-sized onion, diced; 1 large garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; ½ lb good-quality pasta; Approx. 3 to 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon thyme leaves; ¼ cup cream cheese; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; Freshly ground black pepper, to serve

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The aroma of sweet, roasted sweet potatoes mingling with the comforting scent of simmering pasta is simply irresistible. Picture a cozy kitchen on a chilly fall evening, where all you want is something warm and hearty. This is where Sweet Potato Pasta shines; it fills your home with warmth and satisfaction. Each bite reveals creamy textures enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sweet Potato Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sweet Potato Pasta

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family – their delighted faces and reserved seconds spoke volumes about its deliciousness. It’s a dish that brings us together, filling the room with laughter and conversation. If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes, this Sweet Potato Pasta will soon become your favorite go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: A creamy, rich taste that combines the sweetness of potatoes with savory cheese.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant orange color makes it an impressive centerpiece.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even potlucks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or vegan diets with the right pasta and cream alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps sauté the onions, bringing a lovely depth of flavor while making everything nicely slippery.
1 medium-sized onion, diced: A great base for flavor; it sweetens as it cooks, lending a cozy undertone. Yellow onions work best for their balanced flavor.
1 large garlic clove, minced: Garlic brings in aromatic richness; just one clove packs a punch, and feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a subtly smoky flavor that elevates the dish; sweet paprika can be a substitute, but misses the smokiness.
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the show! Look for firm, blemish-free potatoes for the best texture. You can swap with butternut squash if needed.
½ lb good-quality pasta: Varieties like rigatoni or penne capture the creamy sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape you love will work.
Approx. 3 to 4 cups water: The amount varies based on the pasta shape; start with just enough to cover.
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors – be sure to adjust based on your taste and dietary needs.
1 teaspoon thyme leaves: Fresh or dried thyme provides an earthiness that pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
¼ cup cream cheese: Adds creaminess and tang; you can replace it with plant-based cream cheese for a vegan option.
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated: This gives a salty, nutty finish; nutritional yeast can be a great vegan substitute.
Freshly ground black pepper, to serve: A final sprinkle gives a hint of heat and depth.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pasta

Heat and Sauté: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it gently for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step sets the flavor foundation for your dish.

Add and Combine: Toss in your peeled and diced sweet potatoes followed by the pasta. Stir everything together nicely to combine. Pour in enough water to just barely cover the pasta, then sprinkle in the salt and thyme leaves. This layering ensures even cooking and flavor incorporation.

Bring to Boil and Simmer: Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to cook until the pasta is al dente—keeping an eye on the water level. Stir frequently and keep the pot partially covered. This will help avoid the pasta sticking together while retaining moisture.

Check Liquid and Stir in Cheese: When the pasta is cooked, you should have a small amount of liquid left. If it’s too soupy, scoop out some pasta water using a ladle. Next, stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan until combined and creamy. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed—this is your chance to make it just right!

Serve and Enjoy: Dish out your delicious Sweet Potato Pasta while it’s hot, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper or additional parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy it as your family gathers around the table, sharing warmth and joy.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Sweet Potato Pasta, cool it to room temperature and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the creamy texture. The flavors might deepen slightly over time but, oh, it’s still oh-so-delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be slightly firm to the bite.
If you notice your pasta is becoming mushy, it may need fewer minutes in the pot. Don’t hesitate to taste test.
For a creamier texture, consider adding more cream cheese or a splash of pasta cooking water while mixing in your cheeses.
If reheating seems to dry out the dish, a little extra cream or broth can help refresh it back to its creamy self.
Play around with adding spices or herbs; a dash of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!

This dish is all about comfort, flavor, and connections. Each element plays a part in creating not just a meal, but a shared experience at your table. So, grab those sweet potatoes and let’s make some magic!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make Sweet Potato Pasta vegan, simply substitute the cream cheese and parmesan with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast. The flavors will still shine through, and your plant-based friends will love it!

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work as alternatives. Just remember that each swap will bring a slightly different flavor; regular potatoes will be more neutral, while squash maintains some sweetness.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the Sweet Potato Pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days. Just give it a quick reheat before serving, adding a touch of cream or broth to refresh the consistency.

What pasta types work best for Sweet Potato Pasta?

While rigatoni and penne are excellent choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape! Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as some shapes may need a bit longer or shorter to reach al dente perfection.