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    Home » Main Dishes » Pasta Recipes

    Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon

    LAST UPDATED: October 6, 2019 PUBLISHED: October 6, 2019 By Pam Greer 39 Comments As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Pasta with roasted sweet potatoes and bacon!  This easy pasta recipe is so delicious!  Sweet potatoes and onions roasted until their meltingly tender, then tossed with pasta for an easy weeknight pasta dinner! 

    Two bowls of pasta with sweet potatoes and sprinkled with parsley. 

    Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe

    In the middle of summer, when zucchini and yellow squash were at their peaks, I made bowls of bowls of a Simple Roasted Vegetable Pasta.  It became a regular at our house, using whatever veggies we had. 

    Now that fall is slowly, very slowly attempting to arrive, I've taken the idea and given it a little bit of a fall twist.   Even though sweet potatoes are available year round, I always think of them as fall.   The inspiration for this recipe came from a recipe from Mark Bittman - the master of simple and easy recipes! 

    While I love simple sheet pan suppers, pasta is a close favorite for creating easy weeknight pasta recipes. 

    Onion, sweet potatoes, paprika, olive oil, bacon and pasta to make pasta recipe.

    Ingredients to Make Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon

    • Sweet potatoes - my store had 3 different varieties!  I choose the basic sweet potatoes.
    • Bacon - just four slices is all you need to add plenty of flavor.  Though you can use more (I never say no to more bacon!)
    • Olive oil.
    • Salt and pepper (not pictured.)
    • Red Onion - white or brown onions would also work.  I think red tend to be a little sweeter to begin with.
    • Pasta - any shape you like, cut pasta as opposed to long thin strands are better paired for this recipe.
    • Chives - I used parsley.
    • Parmesan Cheese (not pictured) use freshly grated.

    Sheet pan with diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bacon.

    How to Make this Easy Pasta Recipe

    Preheat the oven and dice the sweet potatoes and chop the bacon.  Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast for about 30 minutes. 

    While they are roasting, chop the onions and start the pasta water boiling. 

    Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with the paprika.  Add the onions and stir.   Place the pan back in the oven and roast for 15 more minutes.  While they are roasting, cook the pasta.  Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.  

    Bowl filled with pasta and sweet potatoes, topped with cheese.

    Remove the pan from the oven and scoop the vegetables into a large bowl.  Add some of the pasta water to the pan and scrape up any brown bits and add that to the bowl also.  

    Add the pasta, cheese and chives (if using) and toss to combine.  Taste and add more salt and pepper.  Serve sprinkled with additional chives or parsley. 

    Two bowls of Pasta with sweet potatoes.

    The Best Easy Pasta Recipe!

    This was so good!  The sweet potatoes almost dissolve creating a sweet sauce.  The onions are sweetened by their roasting time in the oven and the little bit of bacon adds just the right amount of salty meatiness.  The smoked paprika adds a smokiness that plays off of the bacon.  

    This is going to become a regular fall and winter dinner around here!   A simple green salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect with this! 

    More Easy Pasta Recipes

    Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad - an easy pasta recipe that uses a rotisserie chicken! 

    Cauliflower also pairs beautifully with pasta in this Cauliflower, Sausage and Breadcrumbs Pasta. 

    Turn the classic combination of sausage and peppers into a Pasta with Sausage and Peppers. 

    Lobster Pasta with Corn, Pancetta and Creme Fraiche - sounds and tastes fancy, but so easy! 

    If you make this, I'd love it if you tagged me and followed me on  Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

    Two Bowls of pasta with sweet potatoes and bacon.
    Print Pin Save Saved!
    5 from 34 votes

    Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Bacon

    Sweet potatoes, bacon and onions roast together and create a simple, but delicious sauce for pasta!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 47 minutes
    Total Time 52 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 518kcal

    Ingredients

    • 3 sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes
    • 4 slices bacon chopped
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • salt and black pepper
    • 2 teaspoons paprika smoked
    • 1 red onion chopped
    • 8 ounces pasta preferably shaped not strands
    • ¼ cup chives or parsley
    • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400.
    • Combine the sweet potatoes and bacon on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the oil. Toss to combine. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Remove from the oven. Sprinkle over the paprika and add the onion to the pan. Toss to combine and place back in the oven to continue roasting for 15 more minutes.
    • While the vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water - usually about ¼ cup.
    • Remove the vegetables from the oven and scrape into a large bowl. Pour the water into the sheet pan and scrape up any browned bits and add that to the bowl. Add the pasta, chives (reserving some for garnish,) and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

    Notes

    Bacon - can use pancetta.  If using prosciutto add it when you add the onions. 
    Pasta shape - I love this using bow tie pasta.  Any shaped pasta will work.  This is also good with whole wheat pasta. 
    Chives - can substitute parsley or even sage!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 14483IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 2mg

    This post was originally published in 2010 and has been updated for 2019.

    More Delicious Pasta Recipes

    • 9 Easy Meatless Pasta Dinners for Meatless Mondays!
    • Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
    • Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
    • Pasta with Zucchini, Raisins and Walnuts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marjie says

      October 10, 2019 at 3:59 pm

      I think I'd just stop at the roasted sweet potatoes and bacon, and call it dinner. But that might be just me.

      Reply
    2. Terri says

      October 06, 2019 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at bacon, but the sweet potato and pasta sent me over the edge! I cannot wait to make this!!!

      Reply
    3. Adrianne says

      October 06, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum!! Even the tray of red onion and sweet potato looks good here! I love a good pasta dish and yours looks perfect, so delicious and hearty at the same time. Thanks for another great recipe Pam!

      Reply
    4. David says

      October 06, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      Very interesting recipe! I love pasta, and have combine sweet potatoes and bacon, but never all three. Yum!

      Reply
    5. Krissy Allori says

      October 06, 2019 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      Sweet potatoes and bacon are a match made in heaven in this delicious recipe!!

      Reply
    6. Amy says

      October 06, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      I love the sweet and smokey combination!

      Reply
    7. Jo Allison says

      October 06, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      Love the flavours of roasted sweet potatoes and red onion in combination with bacon. Perfect midweek family pasta dish. Ingredients added to my shopping list and will be making it later this week, can't wait!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        October 06, 2019 at 4:26 pm

        You'll have to let me know what you think!

        Reply
    8. Sweet and Savory says

      December 21, 2010 at 10:01 pm

      I think all of Bittman's recipes are great but this one sounds like one of those top recipes. Of course, having sweet potatoes might be the reason. Good job with this.

      Thanks for linking to Tackling Bittman.

      Reply
    9. Dr. Laura @ WhoIsLaura.com says

      December 09, 2010 at 2:35 am

      Looks amazing! And, goodness, looks like I need to go get another Bittman cookbook. Just recently got How to Cook Everything and LOVE it. So, I'm hooked on Bittman!

      Thanks for sharing with the Tackling Bittman Recipe Hop!

      Dr. Laura

      Reply
    10. Helen says

      December 09, 2010 at 12:31 am

      I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was. What a perfect combination of flavors. Meant to add spinach and then decided on a spinach,apple and walnut salad. Served everything with ham. YUM! My new comfort food combo.

      Reply
    11. Christy says

      December 08, 2010 at 2:46 am

      Swinging back by to say thanks for linking this to the Bittman Hop!!

      Reply
    12. Couscous & Consciousness says

      December 07, 2010 at 2:47 am

      Hi Pam - just came back to say, so glad you linked this up to Tackling Bittman 🙂
      Sue

      Reply
    13. KarenP says

      November 30, 2010 at 1:19 am

      I made this last night and it was wonderful! We were out of town for the holiday and I made sure I had the ingredients before we left. It was the perfect thing to make the day we returned. Thanks for sharing it!

      Reply
    14. Chris says

      November 27, 2010 at 6:49 pm

      Nice execution of this one, I like it! More importantly, Alexis will LOVE it with the sweet potatoes.

      Reply
    15. Christy says

      November 24, 2010 at 11:46 pm

      I am another Bittman fan - almost every recipe of his I have made has been a winner - and the ones that aren't my favorites are still OK! Anything with pasta and bacon is a winner and sweet potatoes are so delicious roasted! Thanks for sharing this with the Hearth and Soul Hop!

      Reply
    16. katiez says

      November 24, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      I would not have thought to pair sweet potatoes with pasta.... but this does sound delicious!

      Reply
    17. girlichef says

      November 24, 2010 at 1:35 pm

      Oh, I love this book! And this sounds like a dish I'd totally love...can't go wrong w/ sweet potatoes and bacon, imo. Wonderful...thanks for sharing it w/ the hearth and soul hop this week, Pam. Have a great turkey day!

      Reply
    18. Reeni says

      November 24, 2010 at 12:45 am

      The sweet and salty combo of sweet potatoes and bacon is irresistible! I am always amazed at Natashya's reviews too!

      Reply
    19. Couscous & Consciousness says

      November 23, 2010 at 8:41 am

      Yup - that's a winner - pasta, sweet potato and bacon - yum! Must check out that book 🙂
      Sue

      Reply
    20. grace says

      November 23, 2010 at 11:54 am

      have i ever eaten pasta and potatoes in the same dish? i'm thinking no. i've been a foolish, foolish girl. 🙂

      Reply
    21. 5 Star Foodie says

      November 23, 2010 at 1:57 am

      Lovely pasta dish. I like the addition of pimenton for the smoky flavors and the combination of sweet potatoes and pasta.

      Reply
    22. Chanel11 says

      November 23, 2010 at 4:49 am

      Oh that is definitely lunch-room-envy-esque, in fact it's also dinner-envy-esque 🙂

      Reply
    23. Pam says

      November 23, 2010 at 3:52 am

      Nice flavors and textures in this pasta.

      Reply
    24. Julie says

      November 22, 2010 at 7:34 pm

      I would have been one of the people sniffing around your lunch that day. Yum 🙂

      Reply
    25. Kim says

      November 22, 2010 at 7:24 pm

      Natashya is a kitchen goddess, but so are you! I love that this is your first choice from Bittman's new book. Looks delicious.

      Reply
    26. KarenP says

      November 22, 2010 at 9:12 pm

      Mmmm, that does sound good!

      Reply
    27. Mags @ the Other Side of 50 says

      November 22, 2010 at 7:37 pm

      Oh lordy....I love roasted sweet potatoes, but with bacon and pasta? That has to be outstanding! Great recipe.

      Reply
    28. Amy says

      November 22, 2010 at 2:37 pm

      Lol. Ya, Natashya...she's a machine when it comes to cookbook reviews. I completely take your word for it though. I hear ya on those sweet potatoes and bacon. Mmmm.

      Reply
    29. Marjie says

      November 22, 2010 at 7:03 pm

      I fall into the category of one who can just tell if she'll love the cookbook or not. And as for this recipe? Well, I love sweet potatoes, and who can go wrong with bacon?

      Reply
    30. La Table De Nana says

      November 22, 2010 at 1:35 pm

      Pasta..bacon and BS..What a great trio.

      Reply
    31. Lyndsey says

      November 22, 2010 at 11:37 am

      What a perfect dish! Looks lovely, sounds so tasty and it has bacon!

      Reply
    32. Joanne says

      November 22, 2010 at 11:26 am

      Haha i do NOT know how Natashya does it. I like to think I have intuition when it comes to cookbooks as well. And this one, for this recipe ALONE, is definitely a keeper.

      Reply
    33. June says

      November 22, 2010 at 4:05 pm

      Yum...all that and smoked paprika too! Wow. Looks delicious.

      Reply
    34. Barbara says

      November 22, 2010 at 1:50 pm

      I often roast sweet potatoes just to serve with dinner, but never thought to use it in pasta.
      Of course, bacon never hurts, does it? Gosh, this really looks good, Pam.

      Reply
    35. Lea Ann says

      November 22, 2010 at 1:31 pm

      What a delicious combination. I'm with Joanne, I have no idea how superwoman blogger Natasha does it.

      Reply
    36. Judi says

      November 22, 2010 at 1:24 pm

      Good first choice. It's Bittman. How bad could it be?

      Reply
    37. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says

      November 22, 2010 at 12:09 pm

      Sweet potatoes and bacon, my new favorite combination! I'm going to try this over spinach instead of pasta.

      Reply
    38. Melynda says

      November 22, 2010 at 11:29 am

      I agree, by now I know when something is going to be good. This does look good, and I love those darn sweet potatoes. Thanks.

      Reply

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