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Sweetpotato Mac and Cheese

This Healthy Sweetpotato Mac and Cheese Bake is the answer to your cheesy pasta dreams. A mixture of whole wheat pasta, mashed sweetpotato, cheese and kale make this sweetpotato pasta bake a winner!

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Please note that sweetpotatoes is spelled as one word throughout this article, which is the proper spelling. You can learn more here.

Did you ever think you’d be looking at a sweetpotato pasta recipe? I’m not surprised, considering how versatile they are.

I’ve perfected the tastiest sweetpotato mac and cheese recipe that’s a little different than this toddler mac and cheese. Because this sweetpotato mac and cheese recipe is more like a sweetpotato pasta bake.

It’s like if you combined the two and you get this lovely baked sweetpotato mac and cheese.

kale and sweet potato mac and cheese in white bowls

It has a savory taste for your taste buds like normal pasta would, but a naturally sweet addition from the mashed sweetpotato, making such a unique creamy sweetpotato pasta bake.

So, the next time you find yourself thinking what to make with sweetpotatoes, think out of the box with this pasta with sweetpotato.

Some of my favorite other unique sweetpotato recipes include sweetpotato bread, sweetpotato energy bites, and even a sweetpotato pizza recipe

Sweetpotatoes for toddlers are also great for all of these reasons. So, no shocker that this sweetpotato pasta sauce dish came about!

Ingredients For Sweetpotato Mac and Cheese

These are the ingredients you need for this baked pasta with sweetpotato recipe.

  • Sweetpotatoes
  • Whole wheat pasta (or a gluten free pasta)
  • Kale
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • A handful of spices
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

The pasta is hearty and creamy, like this chicken pasta with coconut milk.

You could certainly add chicken or any meat to this, but I do think it’s hearty enough as it is.

Vegan Sweetpotato Pasta Bake Adjustments

Make these adjustments to make your sweetpotato vegan pasta bake:

Since the eggs help bind the pasta and make it a little stickier and crispier, the vegan version may be a little different but it should still taste delicious. 

With the basics of this sweetpotato mac and cheese, you’ve got a masterpiece to be made. 

Make sure to use gluten free pasta if you need this to be a gluten free sweetpotato mac and cheese.

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese in white serving dish

I made this a bunch for my pregnancy meal prep with Camryn to have as a postpartum meal. Sweetpotatoes and kale are some of the best foods for postpartum recovery.

I remember one day eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner because it’s all I wanted.  Listen to your body, right?

I love to serve as a chicken tenders side to add more protein.

How to Make Sweetpotato Pasta Bake

You can imagine that this sweetpotato pasta bake is super easy since I thrive on easy recipes. Check out my meal prep ebook for more ideas!

I truly only share easy recipes on this blog, and you can have this pasta with sweetpotatoes on the table in 40 minutes, from start to finish.

Begin by cooking your sweetpotatoes. You can cook your sweetpotatoes in the oven, but I prefer to microwave mine for a quicker cook time!

I stick them in the microwave for 5-7 minutes, and then let them cool.

Sweet Potato kale mixture in bowl for sweet potato pasta

Once you have your pasta and sweetpotatoes cooked and cooled, you’ll drain and add to a medium bowl with the kale and spices. 

Think of it as a sweetpotato mac and cheese casserole – we’re just going to keep layering things in there.

Pasta in bowl for sweet potato pasta bake

In a separate bowl, whisk your milk, eggs and cheese, and then mix with the roasted kale and sweetpotato pasta mixture. 

Add to a casserole dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. I like to sprinkle extra cheese on, for good measure, and often let my toddler help with this. 

You can also feel free to add in or substitute any other veggies to this sweetpotato pasta bake recipe.

Sweet potato mac and cheese in white casserole dish with extra cheese

Here are some of my favorite veggie options:

  • spinach
  • zucchini
  • red peppers
  • mushrooms
  • peas
  • broccoli

HOT TIP

This easy sweetpotato mac and cheese is one of our favorite sweetpotato recipes for toddlers. Involve your toddler by letting them sprinkle on the extra cheese on and mixing all of the ingredients with a toddler mixing spatula.


This easy sweetpotato mac and cheese is one of our favorite sweetpotato recipes for toddlers. I let Camryn sprinkle the extra cheese on and mix all of the ingredients with her toddler mixing spatula.

You can even freeze it for later, making it the perfect meal prep recipe or postpartum freezer meal.

Sweetpotato and Pasta Before a Run

Have you heard the phrase, “eat pasta run fasta?” Jokes aside, I love sweetpotato mac and cheese the night before a long run.

Pasta for runners can be great for that carb load.

With the extra carbohydrates, you’re setting up those glycogen stores and muscles for prolonged activity. You’re loading them up with extra energy to perform for you!

creamy sweetpotato pasta in white bowls

So, yes, this sweetpotato and pasta recipe is great as a pre run meal or high carb lunch for runners.

Try these the night before a race – it’s one of our favorite things to recommend for what to eat the night before a long run.

You can make it as a post run meal, too. It has the perfect 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help you optimally recover. A sweetpotato pasta recipe checks off alot of boxes!

Want more recipes for athletes? Check out 51 ideas for pre and post workout meals.

FAQ

Is this sweetpotato recipe good for kids?

Definitely! Kids love a cheesy pasta and the bonus is they’re getting extra nutrients and nourishment from the creamy sweetpotato addition. Plus, kids is that they can learn to taste all of the different ways it can be flavored. 

How to freeze sweetpotato mac and cheese

To freeze this sweetpotato pasta bake for later, cook your pasta a little bit less than you normally would. According to the University of Georgia extension, this is because foods that will be frozen should be slightly undercooked before freezing if they will be reheated after freezing. Once everything is cooled and mixed, store in a freezer friendly container or baking dish. 

When you’re ready to reheat, just know that you may have to add a little bit of time (5-10 minutes) to the baking time if you haven’t thawed it out overnight. 

TRY some of these other EASY recipes!

Yield: 4-6 servings

Sweetpotato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese in white serving dish

This Healthy Sweetpotato Mac and Cheese is the answer to your cheesy pasta dreams. A mixture of whole wheat pasta, mashed sweetpotato, cheese and kale make this sweetpotato pasta bake a winner!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 medium sweetpotatoes (about 2 cups), cooked and mashed
  • 6 cups whole wheat pasta (I used rotini)
  • 2 Cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup low fat milk
  • 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice) + more for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Rub or spray the inside of a large casserole dish with olive oil or butter.  
  3. To cook sweetpotato, boil a pot of water and add sweetpotato. Cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave for 5-7 minutes, or until soft.
  4. Prepare pasta according to package directions (but keep al dente). While pasta is cooking, saute kale in olive oil with spices for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly wilted.
  5. Drain cooked pasta and let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Once cooled, add pasta, mashed sweetpotatoes, spices, and kale to medium bowl and stir to combine.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and cheese, and add to pasta and sweet potato mixture.
  8. Mix well and add to large casserole dish, reserving extra cheese to sprinkle on top.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese has melted and top begins to brown. 

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta since it will get further cooked when baking

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

5

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 580mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 9gSugar: 6gProtein: 20g

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  1. This looks delicious and it’s so healthy too. I absolutely love it. Also love the addition of greens and seasonings. I will definitely save this and make for my family. Yummy!

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