Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Pasta Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it offers that indulgent, creamy pasta feeling but with a twist: instead of relying solely on heavy sauces, it uses roasted sweet potato and garlic to deliver warmth and depth of flavor. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, customizable with added vegetables or proteins, and especially great for when you want comfort without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ~3 cm chunks
4 garlic cloves (with skins on)
Olive oil (for roasting)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
150 ml double cream (heavy cream)
50 g grated Parmesan (or vegetarian hard cheese alternative)
250 g spaghetti (or linguine/penne)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200 °C (180 °C fan / Gas mark 4 / ~350 °F).
Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes and garlic cloves (skins on) on a roasting tin. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, sea salt, and dried thyme. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
While roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Return the drained pasta to the pan.
Once the sweet potato and garlic are done, squeeze the garlic from its skins. Add the garlic, sweet potato, double cream, and Parmesan to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to coat. Add more reserved pasta water to achieve a glossy finish if necessary.
Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 3
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook/Roast time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Use short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti.
Add baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for extra vegetables.
For added protein, mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
Swap the double cream with crème fraîche or a lighter cream.
Bake the finished pasta with mozzarella and breadcrumbs for a cheesy bake.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through. For best results, reheat on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
You can freeze just the sweet potato sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

What kind of potatoes are used for this pasta sauce?

This recipe uses sweet potatoes, which create a naturally creamy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Yes, peeling the sweet potatoes ensures a smooth sauce once blended.

Can I boil the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them?

Yes, but roasting adds more flavor and depth thanks to caramelization and the garlic-roasting process.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can mash the roasted ingredients by hand with a potato masher or use a blender. The texture will be a bit chunkier.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian as long as the Parmesan or cheese substitute used is vegetarian-friendly.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely. Swap double cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?

Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

What’s a good serving suggestion for this pasta?

Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, courgettes, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Pasta itself doesn’t freeze well once mixed, as it can turn mushy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Pasta is a wholesome, creamy dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your dinner table. With roasted garlic and spiced sweet potatoes at its core, it’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it solo or pairing it with extra vegetables or proteins, this is one pasta recipe you’ll reach for again and again.