I can’t stop craving this addicting Gigi Hadid Pasta! Ever since I saw it on Instagram, I’ve been hooked.
Perfectly al dente shells meld with a luscious, velvety vodka-tomato sauce with a kick of heat. Nutty Parmesan melts right in and a sprinkle of fresh basil tops it off.
I totally get why it went viral—it’s easy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. Honestly, it’s comfort food to die for!
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Why You’ll Love This Gigi Hadid Pasta
Weeknight Hero: Ready in 30 minutes, this easy pasta is ideal for busy weeknights. But let’s be real, it’s so scrumptious, I’d serve it at a dinner party.
Creamy Comfort: The silky smooth vodka-infused tomato sauce clings to every bite of tender pasta. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Viral Sensation: I’ve tried many viral recipes, but this one deserves the hype. Creamy, bold, and perfectly spiced, it’s absolutely addicting—don't say I didn’t warn you!
Restaurant-Worthy: From the ingredients to the process, I love the simplicity. And yet, this dish tastes like it’s from a high-end Italian restaurant.
Ingredients for Gigi Hadid Pasta
- Pasta: The original recipe uses shells, but any sturdy shape works. I like using tubular shapes like rigatoni or penne pasta. The sauce clings to every nook and cranny!
- Onion and Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and complexity. Use either red onion or shallots if possible.
- Tomato Paste: The concentrated flavor makes the creamy sauce more bold and robust.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy foundation for a silky smooth, luscious sauce.
- Butter: For an extra dose of richness. I use unsalted butter and salt to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For that spicy kick! You can dial it up or tone it down based on your preference.
- Vodka: Helps the ingredients meld and adds complexity to the sauce. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off in the process.
- Parmesan: I mean, do we even call it pasta if it’s not sprinkled with Parmesan cheese? The nutty, salty, creaminess elevates the flavor.
- Basil: Adds an aromatic burst of freshness. I garnish with fresh basil leaves, but dried basil is okay in a pinch.
- Pasta Water: The starch in the water helps thicken the sauce.
How To Make Gigi Hadid's Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe
Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this viral pasta is a must-try!
Made with a luscious spicy vodka sauce, it tastes fancy but comes together in 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions alike.
1. Boil pasta. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Saute aromatics. In a large saucepan, saute the onion over medium heat until soft. Stir in the fresh garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add tomato and cream. Add the tomato paste and stir until slightly caramelized and deepened in color, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer and season. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Mix in the butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the vodka.
5. Toss. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Top and serve. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Tips For the Best Gigi Hadid Pasta
What I love about this spicy pasta (or any pasta dish, really) is you can customize it to your liking. So here are my top tips to make it even more delicious:
- Swap the pasta. Use any pasta shape you like! Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are my top alternatives. Just keep in mind certain pasta shapes may change the flavor or mouthfeel.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! I always cook pasta al dente. It will soften as it melds with the sauce.
- Slowly add the cream. I whisk the cream into the sauce slowly to avoid curdling or separating.
- Add pasta water gradually. To thicken the sauce, add the pasta water a little bit at a time to reach the ideal consistency.
- Thin the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken or vegetable broth, or water, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Tailor the spice. Want your dish more or less spicy? Adjust the amount of red pepper chili flakes in the spicy vodka pasta sauce according to your preference.
- Grate the cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan tastes far superior to store-bought pre-shredded cheese. I know it’s a bit of a hassle, but it's worth the step!
- Boost the protein. Try this dish with shredded chicken, pancetta, Italian sausage, or bacon.
How to Store
Like many creamy pastas, I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers. The texture isn’t ideal when thawed. That said, you can enjoy refrigerated leftovers throughout the week!
To Store: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. Keep in mind, the pasta will absorb the sauce and soften the longer it sits.
To Reheat: Warm leftover pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk on low heat until hot. Alternatively, microwave the pasta in a covered microwave-safe dish on low for a few minutes. Mix in some olive oil or milk if the pasta looks dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gigi Hadid pasta is a spicy spin on classic penne alla vodka. The silky sauce features tomato paste caramelized with olive oil, heavy cream, butter, and vodka. Though supermodel Hadid popularized this dish, it has been around for ages. And for good reason, it’s absolutely delish!
Vodka helps emulsify the tomatoes and the cream while bringing out flavor nuances, creating a more complex sauce.
Yes! If you’d rather omit the booze, use a non-alcoholic liquid instead. Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or pasta water are my top choices. Pick one based on your own taste preference.
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Heavy cream helps thicken the sauce and create a luscious texture. Milk will make the sauce more watery. If you don’t have heavy cream, half and half is the best substitution.
This pasta is a great main course all by itself! But, it pairs well with a variety of sides. I recommend serving it with garlic bread, a green salad, or even roasted Brussels sprouts.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe)
This easy Gigi Hadid Pasta went viral for a reason. With tender pasta, melty Parmesan, and a spicy, creamy vodka-tomato sauce, it’s a must-try!
6
servings15
minutes15
minutes605
kcalIngredients
1 pound shell pasta (e.g. penne, ziti, rigatoni)
1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons vodka
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, for about 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and stir until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and mix for about 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato paste and stir for 1-2 minutes with a wooden spoon. Then, whisk in the heavy cream until well combined and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-60 seconds. Next, mix in the butter, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the vodka.
- Combine the cooked pasta and sauce and toss to coat. Mix in some of the pasta water to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta! I recommend cooking the pasta al dente. It will soften as it melds with the sauce.
- Slowly add the cream. Whisking the cream into the sauce slowly helps avoid curdling or separating.
- Add pasta water gradually. To thicken the sauce, add the pasta water a little bit at a time to reach the ideal consistency.
- Adjust the spice. Use more or less red pepper chili flakes to tailor the spice level to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 605kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 608mg
- Potassium: 1069mg
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 19g
- Vitamin A: 1462IU
- Calcium: 578mg
- Iron: 19mg
- Vitamin K: 345mg
3 Comments
This sounds so good! I’ll be trying it soon.
Thanks Sandy! Let us know what you think of Gigi’s Pasta!
I love quick and easy pasta dishes!