Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety, cheese-packed macaroni dish with pureed carrots and sweet potatoes seamlessly blended in, making it a vibrant, nutrient-dense favorite for picky eaters. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cooked and pureed carrots, cooked and pureed sweet potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute until golden.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 cup pureed carrots, and 1 cup pureed sweet potatoes until thickened and coating the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then add 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
  6. Step 6: Fold the drained macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated, transfer to the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly, then let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Hidden Carrot & Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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