Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with olive oil spray or melted butter.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Boil the Pasta: In the same pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheesy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until well combined.
Add Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta into the sweet potato mixture until evenly coated.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Scoop the mixture into the greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Press down gently to ensure they hold together.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the tops of each bite with breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before gently loosening them from the tin with a spoon or knife. Serve warm, dipping in your favorite sauce if desired.