Craving a dish that’s gone viral for all the right reasons? This Gigi Hadid Pasta, famously known as spicy vodka pasta sans vodka, is a creamy, dreamy delight that’s taken TikTok by storm. With its rich tomato sauce, a kick of spice, and luscious texture, this Gigi Hadid Pasta is ridiculously simple to whip up, making it perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a quick comfort fix. It’s a recipe so good, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is easy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s the magic behind Gigi Hadid Pasta? It’s all about simplicity meeting bold flavor. This dish swaps out vodka for a pantry-friendly version that still delivers that signature creamy tomato goodness. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses basic ingredients you likely already have, and offers a perfect balance of spice and richness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing friends, Gigi Hadid Pasta feels indulgent without the fuss. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—pair it with your favorite sides or tweak the heat to your taste.
Tools Needed
To create this viral Gigi Hadid Pasta, you’ll need a few kitchen staples. Missing something? Check out Our Shop for quality tools to make your cooking a breeze!
- Saucepan: Perfect for cooking the sauce and pasta (Serious Eats guide to top saucepans).
- Large pot: For boiling rigatoni to al dente perfection.
- Whisk: To blend the creamy sauce smoothly.
- Grater: For fresh Parmesan that melts like a dream.
- Colander: To drain pasta while reserving water.
These tools make prepping Gigi Hadid Pasta a snap, ensuring every step flows effortlessly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty Gigi Hadid Pasta (serves 4):
- ½ cup olive oil (try sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- ⅔ cup tomato paste
- 1⅓ cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (use as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create the iconic Gigi Hadid Pasta sauce that’s taken the internet by storm.
Directions
Ready to make your Gigi Hadid Pasta? Follow these straightforward steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water (2 tbsp salt per gallon) according to package directions (about 13 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain—don’t rinse or add oil.
- Start the Sauce: Heat ½ cup olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until it deepens to a rich red-brown color. This step cuts the acidity and boosts flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Pour in heavy cream and whisk well until smooth and creamy—about 1-2 minutes.
- Season: Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust, keeping in mind Parmesan and pasta water add saltiness.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in Parmesan and butter until melted and the sauce is velvety.
- Combine: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of pasta water (start with ¼ cup) if it’s too thick.
- Serve: Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
Expert Tips for Perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta
Want your Gigi Hadid Pasta to shine? Try these tricks:
- Cook tomato paste thoroughly: It’s key to mellowing the acidity.
- Don’t skip pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling.
- Taste as you go: Balance salt with the Parmesan in mind.
- Use fresh cheese: Pre-grated can clump—grate your own.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This quick timing makes Gigi Hadid Pasta a weeknight lifesaver!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like this has pitfalls to sidestep:
- Rinsing pasta: Keeps sauce from sticking—skip it.
- Undercooking tomato paste: Leaves it sharp—give it time.
- Over-salting early: Parmesan adds salt—season lightly at first.
- Too much heat: Can curdle cream—keep it medium.
Variations
Make this Gigi Hadid Pasta your own with these twists:
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or roasted peppers.
- Spice Swap: Use cayenne instead of flakes for a different heat.
- Cheese Mix: Blend in Pecorino Romano with Parmesan.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or water—about 5 minutes over low heat.
- Freezing: Not ideal—cream sauce may separate, but possible for up to 1 month.
FAQs
- Why no vodka?
This version skips it for simplicity—flavor still pops without it. - Can I use a different pasta?
Sure! Penne or spaghetti works great too. - Too spicy?
Reduce red pepper flakes or skip them. - No heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, but it’s less rich. - Gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free rigatoni—tastes just as good. - More servings?
Double ingredients and use a larger pan.
Why This Recipe Works
The charm of Gigi Hadid Pasta lies in its balance and ease. Cooking down tomato paste with olive oil creates a deep, mellow base, while heavy cream and Parmesan bring that luscious texture TikTok loves. Red pepper flakes add just enough kick, and the butter seals the deal with extra richness. It’s a no-fuss recipe that feels fancy—proof you don’t need vodka to make a killer pasta. The pasta water trick ties it all together, ensuring the sauce hugs every rigatoni tube perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Dish up your Gigi Hadid Pasta hot, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that Instagram-worthy look. Pair it with garlic bread to soak up the sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or serve it alongside grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Want to go all out? A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy-spicy vibe beautifully.
Conclusion
This Gigi Hadid Pasta is a viral sensation for a reason—creamy, spicy, and ready in minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food hack. Whether you’re a TikTok fan or just love a good pasta night, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Try it out, play with the spices, and grab kitchen essentials at Our Shop for more quick wins. Let me know how it goes in the comments—and what you want to see next!
