Habanero Sweet Potato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Habanero Sweet Potato Pasta combines a spicy kick with sweet, tender sweet potatoes for a unique and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting pasta dish with a twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rotini Pasta
• 1 Sweet Potato
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 cup Corn
• 10 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 1 Habanero Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and the whole sweet potato. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, about 8 minutes, and cook the sweet potato until soft, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Drain the pasta and remove the sweet potato. Let the sweet potato cool slightly, then cut it into chunks and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large high-sided pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, habanero pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Cook and stir until the garlic is browned and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the corn, diced tomatoes with their liquid, and salt to the pan. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until about half the liquid has evaporated, around 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
5. Step 5: Add the drained rotini and sweet potato chunks to the tomato sauce. Mix everything well to combine and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Remove the seeds from the habanero pepper if you prefer milder heat without losing the flavor.
• Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.
• Try substituting rotini with penne or fusilli for different pasta textures.
• Freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese makes a great garnish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pepper instead of habanero?

Yes, you can substitute habanero with milder peppers like jalapeño or serrano to reduce the heat while keeping some spice.

Do I need to peel the sweet potato before cooking?

It’s optional. The skin is edible and softens during cooking, but you can peel it if you prefer a smoother texture.

Habanero Sweet Potato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and spicy Habanero Sweet Potato Pasta featuring tender rotini pasta, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, a fiery habanero-infused tomato sauce with fresh basil, corn, and garlic. This dish combines sweetness with a spicy kick for a unique and flavorful vegetarian pasta experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 2 cups Rotini Pasta
• 1 medium Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with juice

Herbs and Spices

• 10 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Habanero Pepper, seeded and finely chopped (reduce for less heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Oils and Others

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta and Sweet Potato: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of rotini pasta and 1 peeled, cubed sweet potato. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, approximately 8 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sweet potato is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and sweet potato well using a colander. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large high-sided pan over medium heat. Add minced 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped habanero pepper, and 10 fresh basil leaves. Cook and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Simmer Sauce: Add 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 can of diced tomatoes including their juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pan. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until roughly half of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Turn off the heat. Add the drained rotini pasta and sweet potato chunks to the pan with the tomato sauce. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this spicy, sweet, and hearty pasta dish right away for best flavor.

Notes

• For less spice, remove seeds from the habanero or reduce the amount used.
• You can substitute rotini with any pasta shape of your choice.
• Sweet potatoes can be roasted beforehand for an extra caramelized flavor.
• Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted canned tomatoes.
• Serve with grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion, Vegetarian

Keywords: Habanero Sweet Potato Pasta, spicy pasta, vegetarian pasta, rotini pasta recipe, sweet potato pasta, easy pasta dinner, healthy pasta, tomato corn sauce