Friends, meet my new favorite lightning fast dish. This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese requires just 5 simple ingredients, zero prep work, and is just the yummiest pasta recipe!
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
I am always looking for easy and delicious ways to incorporate more vegetables into my family’s meals and this recipe is one that we’ve all been loving lately. It comes together in less than 15 minutes, is incredibly creamy, and tastes so darn good.
Plus, there’s sweet potato in the mix to add flavor and nutrients. Win!
We have a lot of favorite mac and cheese recipes—one made in one pot with broccoli, another with peas in the mix, and fun Mac and Cheese Bites—but this is one we come back to again and again.
The best part might just be that you don’t even need a blender. Everything just gets stirred together in the pot!
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pasta: We prefer a small pasta shape, but any will work.
- Sweet potato puree: You can use a pouch or homemade puree.
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness to the mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This melts right into the mixture, making it super creamy without the need to make a roux. You can use mild cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but any plain milk will work here.
TIP: I prefer small shapes of pasta since they cook faster (and are fun!). You can substitute roasted mashed Sweet Potato Puree.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- Measure out the sweet potato. (This is a great step for the kids to help with!)
- Add all of the ingredients to the pot.
- Stir together.
TIP: The sweet potato puree transforms the mixture into a nice mac and cheese texture without the need for any fussy roux-making steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer to use small shapes of pasta such as mini wagon wheels, elbows, ABC pasta and the like because they cook quickly and are fun.
I love using a pouch because it means I can skip preparing fresh sweet potato separately. I also love the subtle hint of rosemary that this puree has. Alternatively, you can make your own sweet potato puree and use it in this recipe.
Yes! It stores and reheats really well. Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days and reheat in 15-30 second increments in the microwave. (I’ve been making it ahead and serving it for an easy lunch throughout the week.)
How to Store
Store leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers for 3-5 days. Reheat in 15-30 second increments or until warm.
You can also freeze in small portions or in a freezer tray and thaw and warm as you need it.
Best Tips for Success
- Use a small shape of pasta so it cooks quickly.
- Use one a store bought pouch or prepare your own Sweet Potato Puree.
- Stir the mixture together well until all of the cheese is melted.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free: Use a non-dairy cheese and add nutritional yeast for more flavor, if desired.
- Add a little onion or garlic powder for more flavor, if you like.
- I love serving veggies in all sorts of ways to kids—because you never know when they’ll find one they love! We do veggies in muffins, salad, roasted, in popsicles, in hummus, baked as fries, blended into a smoothie, and in mac and cheese.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe if you try it, so please comment below!
Easy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as elbows, mini wagon wheels, or ABC pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup sweet potato puree
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- salt to taste, as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain.
- Melt the butter in the pot over low heat. Add the pasta, sweet potato, cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Turn off the heat. Stir together the ingredients to make a uniformly creamy pasta.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a small shape of pasta so it cooks quickly.
- Prepare your own Sweet Potato Puree and use ½ cup. Or use a prepared baby food pouch of sweet potato from the store.
- Stir the mixture together well until all of the cheese is melted.
- Add a simple side of fruit for an easy meal.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers for 3-5 days. Reheat in 15-30 second increments or until warm.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta.
Nutrition
This post was first published April 2021.
My 21 month old hated it, but I (31) loved it!