Learn how to make spicy, zingy, tangy, cheesy, creamy, and viral Gigi Hadid Pasta in this simple recipe. Made with everyday ingredients and a touch of vodka, this pasta is quick to cook and is full of bold flavors and exciting combinations.
My weeknight meals are synonymous with pasta. I love whipping up my seafood pasta, lamb ragu, or linguine with clam sauce when the cravings hit. When I want something easy yet just as comforting, nothing beats the classic Gigi Hadid pasta.
What is Gigi Hadid Pasta?
Even though a spicy vodka pasta recipe or penne alla vodka was not unknown to the world, it went viral when Gigi Hadid, the world-famous supermodel, shared it on her social media in 2020 (like the Jennifer Aniston salad, another of my viral recipes).
Coated in a spicy vodka sauce made with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onion, pepper, cream, butter, cheese, this pasta dish is a quick and easy solution to your pasta cravings.
Here are some reasons why I LOVE this recipe:
- Tasty. Tasty doesn’t even begin to describe how delicious this pasta is. It is satisfying with a strong spice, a hint of vodka, and a base of rich, creamy tomato paste!
- Make ahead. Like Boursin pasta, the flavors intensify and gel better over time, and the pasta tastes better the next day!
- Easy. I love how easy it is to make this pasta. No wonder it is Gigi Hadid’s favorite! Serve it under some veal scallopini for the ultimate flavor combo.
- Quick. When looking for tasty meals that cook in under 30 minutes, this recipe will not disappoint you.
What I love about this recipe is how versatile this pasta is. You can plan it for your date night, a weeknight meal for one, or your friends and family over the weekend! It is always a hit.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need a handful of basic pasta ingredients, and you can get cooking. Here’s a complete list:
- Olive oil. For making the delicious sauce. Using extra virgin olive oil for pasta sauces makes all the difference. Not only is it less processed, but it imparts so much flavor.
- Onion. You’ll need one finely chopped red onion. White onions or even shallot can be used.
- Garlic. Use one (if large) or two (if medium) cloves, depending on how big your garlic cloves are.
- Tomato paste. Not tomato sauce, not fresh tomatoes. Use concentrated tomato paste for instant flavor.
- Cream. Use heavy or cooking cream for this pasta.
- Vodka. For the lovely acidic taste. If you don’t want to consume alcohol, you can skip it altogether. Don’t want to use alcohol in this recipe? Easily swap it out for chicken or vegetable broth, along with one teaspoon of rice wine vinegar.
- Red pepper flakes. For the spice kick.
- Salt and pepper. Use salt and freshly ground pepper (a little more than you’d usually add) for seasoning.
- Pasta. I love using shell pasta like Gigi did, as it is a great carrier for the sauce.
- Pasta cooking water. To adjust the pasta sauce consistency.
- Butter. For the rich gloss.
- Parmesan. Make your pasta cheesy by adding a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Fresh parsley and fresh basil. To garnish.
How to make Gigi Hadid pasta
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the sauce
Sweat the aromatics in hot olive oil in a large skillet, add tomato paste, and cook until it caramelizes. To that, add cream and vodka. Once the alcohol evaporates, season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2- Cook pasta
In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to the instructions, and save some water before draining it.
Step 3- Combine the pasta
Add butter to the sauce as it cooks, and let it simmer on medium heat. Add the cooked pasta, cooking water, and parmesan, and cook until it all combines.
Step 4- Garnish and serve
Finish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and basil and serve hot.
What to serve with Gigi Hadid pasta?
You need good bread like my air fryer garlic bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the beautiful sauce. Complete the meal by adding a wedge salad or a light Caesar salad.
This pasta also pairs well with meatballs or Italian style breaded chicken. Try chicken cutlets, parmesan crusted chicken, and chicken Milanese, or good old air fryer meatballs.
Recipe tips and variations
- Don’t forget to save pasta water. This starchy, salty water makes a world of difference. You need it to adjust the sauce consistency. My advice is to reserve a little more.
- Cook the pasta al dente. You want your pasta to have a slight bite to it. So, don’t exceed the timing indicated on the packet.
- Use freshly grated parmesan. I know it does feel like splurging, but it is so rewarding. You’ll love the flavor of freshly grated parmesan in this pasta.
- Adjust the spice levels. Based on your spice tolerance, amp up or dial down on the chili flakes.
- Use a different pasta. While shells work well, feel free to experiment with rigatoni or penne pasta.
- Make it vegan. Substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and parmesan cheese with a dairy-free version and nutritional yeast to make it vegan.
- Add protein. Toss through some shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or even some crumbled tofu.
How to store leftovers
To store. You can keep this pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days.
To reheat. Heat the pasta in a pan with cream or water to retain the moisture and creaminess.
Frequently asked questions
Is this pasta healthy?
How spicy is this pasta?
What can I substitute vodka with?
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vodka
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 1/2 ounces shell pasta uncooked
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil, garlic, and onion and cook until soft. Add tomato paste and cook until it starts getting darker color.
- Add the heavy cream followed by vodka, and cook for one minute until the alcohol evaporates. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and combine well. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, reserving ¼ cup of the liquid, and drain it.
- Add the butter to the sauce and stir over medium heat until it melts. Add pasta and cooking water to the sauce and stir well. Add parmesan and combine everything.
- Serve with some chopped fresh herbs.