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TIKTOK PASTA WITH A TWIST

This Tiktok pasta has been all the rave for some time now. I didn’t want to try it. I really didn’t want to like it. However, I was wrong. Really wrong.

TIKTOK PASTA

This dish is so simple, so easy you tell yourself it can’t be that good. What’s the big deal anyway? There is beauty in simplicity and in this case, there is flavor in simplicity.

The cheese is definitely the star of this dish. Due to the  popularity of this pasta, there was a run on vegan feta cheese. It was literally impossible to find at any store or market in my area. Having to settle for vegan mozzarella instead, I was hesitant on how it would turn out. Again, I was wrong. The mozzarella was a perfect substitute.  I have since made it with vegan feta and they are both equally delicious.

THE TWIST…I added more vegetables. Spinach and mushrooms are my favorites, so why not toss them in as well. Spinach boosts  the nutritional content of the pasta and provided some nice color. Mushrooms add texture and bulk. This pasta dish will quickly become one of your favorites and make its way into the weekly rotation. There are endless ways to vary and customize this dish.

INGREDIENTS

  • Spinach: Takes this dish to a whole other level. 
  • Mushrooms: White, shiitake, or portabello. Take your pick. 
  • Bulb of garlic: Fresh garlic give this dish a boost of amazing flavor. 
  • Penne pasta: I find that using short pasta like rigatoni, penne or fusilli instead of long noodles like spaghetti or linguine is best.
  • Vegan feta or mozzarella: Both of these vegan cheeses will work.
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes: These work perfectly. You can also use larger tomatoes. Cut and quarter them first. 

SEASONINGS

  • salt
  • pepper
  • Italian seasoning

HOW TO MAKE

  • 1. Put the block of vegan cheese in the center of a baking pan.
  • 2. Coat and toss the tomatoes in olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • 3. Add the tomatoes to the baking pan around the cheese.
  • 4. Spring on the fresh garlic (add mushrooms if you like).
  • 5. Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
  • 6. Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • 7. After 30 minutes, remove baking pan from oven.
  • 8. Add spinach and mix thoroughly.
  • 9. Use the back of spoon to smash the tomatoes and mix the feta until smooth and creamy.
  • 10. Add pasta and mix thoroughly.
  • 11. Serve and enjoy.

TIKTOK PASTA WITH A TWIST

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 oz block vegan feta or mozzarella
  • 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 10 oz penne pasta
  • 8 oz pack of mushrooms
  • 2 cups of spinach
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1. Put the block of vegan cheese in the center of a baking pan.
  • 2. Coat and toss the tomatoes in olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • 3. Add the tomatoes to the baking pan around the cheese.
  • 4. Spring on the fresh garlic (add mushrooms if you like).
  • 5. Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
  • 6. Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • 7. After 30 minutes, remove baking pan from oven.
  • 8. Add spinach and mix thoroughly.
  • 9. Use the back of spoon to smash the tomatoes and mix the feta until smooth and creamy.
  • 10. Add pasta and mix thoroughly.
  • 11. Serve and enjoy.