Ever wondered what pasta dish broke the internet and became a TikTok sensation overnight? The best Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe is the creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious answer. This supermodel-approved pasta has captivated food lovers worldwide with its perfect balance of simplicity and incredible flavor. Today, I’m sharing the authentic recipe that you can easily recreate at home in less than 30 minutes.
This Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe (sometimes called “spicy vodka pasta”) represents comfort food at its finest – combining pantry staples into a luxurious dish that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
The Best Reasons to Try This Gigi Hadid Pasta
- Restaurant-quality results with only 8 simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- Ready in just 25 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious
- Extremely beginner-friendly with foolproof instructions that guarantee success every time
- Customizable heat level so you can make the perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta for your personal taste
- Impressive enough for guests despite being one of the easiest pasta dishes you’ll ever make
This viral pasta recipe strikes the ideal balance between creamy and spicy, creating a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to each pasta shape. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this easy Gigi Hadid Pasta will quickly become your go-to recipe.
What You Need to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta
To make the best Gigi Hadid Pasta at home, you’ll need: 1 pound of shell pasta (or penne), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 small diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup tomato paste, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 2 tablespoons vodka (optional), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil for garnish, and salt and pepper to taste.
Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem! The beauty of this viral pasta recipe is its flexibility. Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or even full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The vodka is completely optional – it adds depth but isn’t essential for the authentic Gigi Hadid Pasta experience. As for pasta shapes, while shells and penne work beautifully by catching the sauce in their crevices, any pasta shape you have on hand will work well.
Step-by-Step How-To Guide for Perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. While waiting, dice your onion and mince your garlic. Having everything measured and ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. Tip: Cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator can sometimes curdle when added to hot sauces, so let your heavy cream sit at room temperature while you prepare everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is a secret ingredient that helps bind the sauce. Tip: For the best Gigi Hadid Pasta, cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package suggests for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Start the Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Tip: If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately to prevent bitterness.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This crucial step caramelizes the tomato paste, developing deeper flavor in your Gigi Hadid Pasta sauce. You’ll notice it darken slightly in color – that’s when you know you’re building those rich flavors that make this recipe special.
Step 5: Add Spice and Vodka (if using)
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to incorporate them into the tomato mixture. If you’re using vodka, add it now and allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, which helps release additional flavors. Tip: For a milder but still authentic Gigi Hadid Pasta, start with 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and adjust to taste.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. The sauce should take on a beautiful orange-pink color. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Tip: For an extra creamy version of Gigi Hadid Pasta, add an additional 2 tablespoons of cream.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The starchy water helps the sauce cling perfectly to each pasta piece.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide your perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta among bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired. Tip: Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to further thicken and the flavors to fully develop.
Nutritional Info Snapshot of Gigi Hadid Pasta
Understanding the nutrition in this delicious Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe can help you fit it into your meal planning. Each generous serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450-500 per serving
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 22g
While this creamy pasta dish is definitely an indulgence, it’s perfectly balanced when paired with a simple side salad. For a lighter version that still retains the authentic Gigi Hadid Pasta experience, you can reduce the heavy cream by half and replace it with reserved pasta water for a silkier, less calorie-dense sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Made too much of this delicious Gigi Hadid Pasta? No problem! This recipe stores beautifully and can even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
For refrigerator storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when cold, which is completely normal.
When it comes to reheating your Gigi Hadid Pasta, the microwave works in a pinch, but for best results, reheat on the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Freezing is possible but not ideal, as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use within one month and reheat gently, stirring frequently to recombine the sauce.
Top FAQs About Gigi Hadid Pasta
Is vodka necessary for authentic Gigi Hadid Pasta?
No, the vodka is completely optional in this recipe. While Gigi’s original viral recipe included vodka, which enhances flavors by releasing compounds that aren’t water or fat-soluble, you’ll still get a delicious result without it. If you’re skipping the vodka, no other substitution is needed – simply proceed with the recipe as written.
Can I make Gigi Hadid Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and gently reheat the sauce, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. This make-ahead option is perfect for stress-free entertaining.
How can I adjust the spice level in my Gigi Hadid Pasta?
The beauty of making this pasta at home is controlling exactly how spicy it gets. For a mild version that’s kid-friendly but still flavorful, use just 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. For the authentic Gigi Hadid experience, stick with the recommended 1 tablespoon. Heat lovers can increase to 1 1/2 tablespoons or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
What’s the best pasta shape for Gigi Hadid Pasta?
While Gigi originally used shells in her viral TikTok recipe, any medium-sized pasta shape with ridges or hollows works wonderfully. Penne, rigatoni, and orecchiette are excellent alternatives as they all catch and hold the creamy sauce effectively. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which can get overwhelmed by the rich sauce.
Wrapping It Up: Final Tips for Your Gigi Hadid Pasta
The beauty of this best Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Remember that the key to truly exceptional Gigi Hadid Pasta is in the details – taking the time to properly caramelize the tomato paste, being generous with the red pepper flakes (according to your taste), and finishing with fresh basil for that bright, aromatic touch.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add grilled chicken for extra protein, toss in some spinach for added nutrition, or experiment with different cheeses beyond Parmesan.
I’d love to hear how your homemade Gigi Hadid Pasta turns out! Drop a comment below sharing your experience, modifications, or questions. And if this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household (I bet it will!), please share it with friends or save it to your favorite recipe board.
Now go enjoy making your own best Gigi Hadid Pasta – a dish that proves sometimes the simplest recipes create the most unforgettable meals!
Print
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The best Gigi Hadid pasta recipe featuring a creamy, spicy vodka sauce that is both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shell pasta (or penne, orecchiette)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 shallot (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
- Start the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced shallot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Create the tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the vodka: Pour in the vodka and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Incorporate the cream: Reduce heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Finish the sauce: Add butter and stir until melted. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine with pasta: Toss drained pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add Parmesan cheese while tossing until melted.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer to plates or bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and more red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free alternative can be achieved using coconut cream.
- Skip the vodka for an alcohol-free version, adding lemon juice instead.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Best served fresh, but reheating is possible with some cream to restore consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: gigi hadid pasta, vodka pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, easy vegetarian pasta