The Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe took the internet by storm when the supermodel shared her favorite spicy vodka pasta recipe on social media. The thick and creamy pasta alla vodka is ready 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.
Key Ingredients
- 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.
- Include some protein. Consider adding pan-seared shrimp or scallops, grilled or baked thin-cut chicken breast, or your favorite fish fillets to the pasta.
Make the Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the pasta in a saucepan according to the package and reserve one cup of pasta water before draining it through a colander.
Step 2: Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they soften and become translucent for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the tomato paste and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the color deepens.
Step 4: Then, deglaze the pan with heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Top the sauce with the grated parmesan, butter, and vodka (if using). Stir until the butter dissolves and the alcohol smell fades.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the cooked noodles to the sauce. Stir to combine, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to distribute the sauce evenly. Garnish with grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves.
Expert Tips
- Prepare al dente pasta. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions or reduce the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is al dente. Al dente is an Italian phrase that literally means to the tooth. It refers to pasta that cooks until tender but still has a slight chew. Chef Alex Aïnouz explains on an episode of Milkstreet that al dente means firm but not undercooked.
- Reserve pasta water. Set one cup of pasta water aside before draining it. You can add the pasta water to the sauce, as needed, to distribute the vodka sauce and control the consistency.
- Bloom the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste in the pan with oil until it becomes fragrant, drawing out its flavor.
If you enjoy this Gigi Hadid pasta recipe, try more TikTok recipes!
Serving Suggestions
Since spicy vodka pasta is a little on the heavy side, I enjoy pairing it with something light, such as an arugula and spinach salad, a Caesar salad, or a massaged kale salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
But hey, you can never go wrong with bread! Serve the creamy vodka pasta with a slice of Dutch oven sourdough bread, pao de sal, or garlic bread.
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop along with a splash of heavy 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.
More Italian Recipes:
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe
- 15 ounces pasta, cooked according to the package
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely minced
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup tomato paste
- 1⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vodka, optional
- ½ cup basil leaves, finely chopped
- Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until they soften and become translucent for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato paste and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the color deepens. Then, deglaze the pan with heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Top the sauce with the grated parmesan, butter, and vodka (if using). Stir until the butter dissolves and the alcohol smell fades.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the cooked noodles to the sauce. Stir to combine, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to distribute the sauce evenly. Garnish with grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves.
- Prepare al dente pasta. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions or reduce the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is al dente. Al dente is an Italian phrase that literally means to the tooth. It refers to pasta that cooks until tender but still has a slight chew. Chef Alex Aïnouz explains on an episode of Milkstreet that al dente means firm but not undercooked.
- Reserve pasta water. Set one cup of pasta water aside before draining it. You can add the pasta water to the sauce, as needed, to distribute the vodka sauce and control the consistency.
- Bloom the tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste in the pan with oil until it becomes fragrant, drawing out its flavor.
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!