A single mother from the UK has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a budget-friendly pasta recipe aimed at helping families save money during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The content creator, known as Sophie (@thesophshow), posted a step-by-step video demonstrating how to make a quick and affordable dinner using simple ingredients such as mushrooms, ham, spaghetti, butter, and crème fraîche from Aldi.
Sophie, 33, who regularly shares money-saving meal ideas, described the dish as a “cheap tea” ideal for those living on a tight budget. In her video, she begins by chopping the ingredients and boiling salted spaghetti. She then sautés the mushrooms and ham in butter before adding crème fraîche to create a creamy sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, she mixes everything together for a hearty, low-cost meal.
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 107,900 views, 1,569 likes, and 166 comments within 24 hours. While many viewers praised the simplicity and flavour of the dish, others were distracted by two “triggering” details in the background of her kitchen.
Several social media users were appalled to see a cat sitting on the kitchen worktop near the food preparation area. Others were put off by the visible pile of dirty dishes in the sink, with some admitting they couldn’t finish watching the video due to hygiene concerns. Comments included “Get the cat off the worktop,” “Yuck to piles of untouched dishes,” and “Cleaning the pots wouldn’t go a miss, very triggering.”
Despite the backlash, some viewers defended Sophie, complimenting the meal’s appearance and practicality. One user commented, “Looks lovely,” while another added, “Mushroom, cream and pasta, always a good choice.”
The video has sparked a wider conversation online about kitchen cleanliness and food safety, especially when sharing cooking content on social media. While Sophie’s recipe offers a cost-effective meal solution, the clip serves as a reminder that presentation and hygiene can heavily influence public perception.
