By now, you’ve probably heard about the Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe? Supermodel Gigi Hadid shared her favorite spicy vodka pasta recipe on social media in 2020, and the internet went bonkers! Thick, creamy vodka sauce combines with al dente pasta for an homestyle pasta alla vodka that comes together in under 30 minutes!
What is Gigi Hadid Pasta?
Before Gigi Hadid shared her take on the recipe on Instagram and TikTok, spicy vodka pasta or pasta alla vodka originated in Italy. Traditional recipes often include a tomato-based sauce spiked with vodka for tanginess and balanced with heavy cream. It’s safe to say that the mom and model didn’t stray too far from the original with her recipe, and it is delicious.
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta?
- Pasta: While Hadid uses pasta shells in her viral TikTok video, any pasta will do. I love rigatoni but use your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package until it’s al denté.
- Olive Oil: Saute the shallots and fresh garlic in olive oil.
- Shallot: Shallots sweeten the sauce and balance the acidity from the tomato paste.
- Garlic: I suggest using four garlic cloves, but measure with your heart.
- Tomato Paste: Thicken and add color to the pasta with tomato paste, but be sure to bloom the tomato paste in olive oil to draw out the flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream thickens the sauce, or you can use half and half, chicken broth, or coconut milk.
- Spices: Season the sauce with red pepper flakes (as much or as little as you want), dried basil, salt, and black pepper. For a less spicy version, reduce the number of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- Parmesan: Finish the pasta and sauce with butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Basil: Fresh basil is a perfect garnish for the pasta. You can also use an equal amount of fresh parsely.
Additions and Substitutions
Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato-based sauce that typically contains a small amount of vodka (about two tablespoons) to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. If you don’t have vodka or prefer to leave it out of the sauce like me, here are some options to try:
- Heavy Cream: I forgo vodka in the sauce, and increasing the amount of cream, results in a velvety smooth texture that doesn’t alter the flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth to add depth.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides acidity that is bright and citrusy.
- Balsamic Vinegar: To infuse your sauce with a pleasant blend of sweetness and tanginess, consider swapping out the vodka for balsamic vinegar. This simple substitution can elevate your recipe by imparting a distinctive flavor profile.
- Tomato Juice: If you want to amplify the tomato flavor in your recipe, incorporate a dash of tomato juice.
How to Make the Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe Without Vodka
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the rigatoni in a saucepan according to the package and reserve one cup of pasta water. Set the noodles aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, warm olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they soften and become translucent, for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the fresh garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Then, add the tomato paste and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the color changes.
Step 4: Add heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Stir in the parmesan and butter until it melts (add vodka during this step, if using).
Step 6: Then, add the reserved pasta water and rigatoni noodles. Stir to combine. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cook the pasta until it’s al denté. Overcooking causes it to become mushy, and no one wants that.
- Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining it to add to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Bloom the tomato paste by cooking it in the pan with oil until it becomes fragrant and draws out the flavor.
- If the pasta sauce is too thick after adding the pasta and cheese, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
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Serving Suggestions
Since spicy vodka pasta is a little on the heavy side, I pair it with a fresh arugula and spinach salad or kale salad. For more protein, consider adding pan-seared chicken or fish. Here are some other serving options:
- Caesar Salad
- Baked Flounder Recipe, Pan-Seared Scallops
- Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread, Garlic Bread, Pao de Sal
- Bison Steak Recipe, Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Chicken Sausage
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm the leftover pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop along with a splash of cream or olive oil to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Gigi Hadid pasta?
The real name of the dish is pasta alla vodka, and when supermodel Gigi Hadid posted her recipe in 2020, it went viral on social media. From then on, people started attributing the pasta to her, hence the name Gigi Hadid pasta recipe.
What pasta is Best for Gigi Hadid pasta?
Hadid uses shell pasta. However, you can use other types, like rigatoni or penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well and cook it al denté, according to the package instructions.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in Gigi Hadid pasta?
Like Hadid, I use heavy cream as a replacement for vodka. For lower calories, consider using half and half or milk. And if you need a dairy-free option, try using cashew or coconut milk.
Is Gigi Hadid pasta healthy?
I don’t love this question because healthy can mean different things to different people, but it often comes up when preparing recipes. This version of the Gigi Hadid’s Pasta Recipe can be a part of a well-balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
More Italian Recipes:
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe
- 1 package pasta shells, 16-ounces
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup tomato paste
- 1⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoon basil, dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- ½ cup fresh parmesan, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 2 tablespoons vodka, OPTIONAL
- ½ cup basil, finely chopped
- Cook the rigatoni in a saucepan according to the package and reserve one cup of pasta water. Set the noodles aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, warm olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they soften and become translucent, for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the fresh garlic and cook for another minute.
- Then, add the tomato paste and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the color changes.
- Add heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the parmesan and butter until it melts (add vodka during this step, if using).
- Then, add the reserved pasta water and rigatoni noodles. Stir to combine. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!
- Cook the pasta until it’s al denté. Overcooking causes it to become mushy, and no one wants that.
- Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining it to add to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Bloom the tomato paste by cooking it in the pan with oil until it becomes fragrant and draws out the flavor.
- If the pasta sauce is too thick after adding the pasta and cheese, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Brandon Lee
Friday 26th of May 2023
Gigi's pasta recipe is pure magic! Creamy, spicy, and ready in a flash. Love it!
Emily Johnson
Friday 26th of May 2023
I tried the Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe and it lived up to the hype! The spicy vodka sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta was simply divine. A new favorite in my household!
Michael Davis
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
I'm always looking for new pasta recipes to try, and this spicy vodka pasta did not disappoint! The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was absolutely delicious. The vodka sauce was so creamy and flavorful, and the pasta had the perfect texture. I'll definitely be making this again and again. Thanks for sharing.
Brea Pinto
Monday 17th of April 2023
This was a family favorite that even the kids raved over. I definitely recommend this for your next big family get together! You can make a big batch with minimal effort and time and EVERYONE will leave satisfied. This was beyond good!
Tressa Jamil
Monday 17th of April 2023
You've got to love a meal the whole family loves!