If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, Sweet Potato Pasta is just what you need. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with sweet potatoes and fresh spinach, all coated in a creamy, homemade parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With just one pot to clean, you’ll find this meal both convenient and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pasta Recipe
This pasta dish stands out because it’s a one-pot wonder — everything cooks together in a single pot, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. You don’t have to boil the pasta separately or worry about multiple pans piling up. It’s a simple, straightforward way to get a wholesome meal on the table quickly.
The sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness that complements the savory parmesan cream sauce perfectly, creating a unique flavor profile that’s both rich and comforting. Spinach adds a healthy boost and keeps the meal balanced and colorful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pasta
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1 large sweet potato, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups fresh chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Sweet Potato Pasta
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potato, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook these together for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes soften and the onions become translucent.
Next, add the penne pasta to the pot, along with the ground sage, thyme, and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil. Let it boil gently for about 10 to 11 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the boil is too strong, reduce the heat slightly so it simmers.
Once the pasta is nearly cooked, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring for 3 to 6 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta beautifully.
Finally, add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts. This keeps the greens fresh and bright, adding a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
You can serve your sweet potato pasta straight from the pot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if you like, for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pasta
Sweet Potato Pasta shines best when served fresh and warm. You can enjoy it as a complete meal on its own because it’s loaded with veggies, pasta, and creamy sauce all in one dish. For a more filling option, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
If you want to elevate the dish for guests or special occasions, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. This adds a nice crunch and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy pasta well.
This dish also works great as leftovers. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavors tend to deepen even more after sitting for a day.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pasta
To get the best results with this recipe, keep a few things in mind. First, dice your sweet potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly during sautéing and boiling.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties for a richer flavor and smoother sauce. The freshness really makes a difference in the creaminess and taste of the final dish.
When boiling the pasta, keep an eye on the liquid level. The vegetable broth both cooks the pasta and forms the base of your sauce, so don’t let it all evaporate before the pasta is tender.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning toward the end. Taste and add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. You want a balanced flavor with just the right amount of creaminess and a hint of sweetness from the potatoes.
Lastly, don’t overcook the spinach. Adding it at the very end and wilting it briefly keeps its vibrant color and fresh texture intact.
How to Store Sweet Potato Pasta
If you have leftovers, store your sweet potato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Avoid freezing this dish as the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the spinach may suffer. For best flavor and texture, enjoy leftovers cold or reheated within a few days.
Variations of Sweet Potato Pasta
There are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can swap penne pasta for other types like fusilli, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Try adding other vegetables along with the spinach, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, sautéed with the onions and sweet potatoes for extra color and nutrition.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan parmesan alternative. The sweet potato and herbs still shine through with this tweak.
If you want more protein, toss in cooked chicken, tofu cubes, or beans toward the end to make it a more filling meal.
Finally, experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary or paprika to give the dish a new flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Pasta
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is perfect because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use other pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan parmesan cheese. The flavors will remain rich and delicious.
How long does it take to cook sweet potato pasta?
This dish takes about 40 minutes total — around 20 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best to avoid freezing because the creamy sauce may separate, and spinach texture can degrade. Instead, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely. Fresh sage and thyme can be added at the end for a brighter herbal flavor.
Sweet Potato Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1 large sweet potato diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups fresh chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced sweet potato, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until sweet potatoes soften and onions are translucent.
- Add penne pasta, ground sage, thyme, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-11 minutes, stirring often.
- Once pasta is nearly cooked, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Serve garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
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