This Gigi Hadid Pasta, a viral recipe shared by the supermodel on social media, is a delicious spin on penne alla vodka. With a spicy, creamy vodka sauce, perfectly al dente shells, and lots of basil and parmesan, this recipe is a must-make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
1poundshell pastaor any shape you like such as penne, orecchiette, ziti etc.
½cupolive oil
1small onionchopped - about 2/3 cup
4clovesof garlicminced
⅔cuptomato paste
1cupheavy cream
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
½teaspoonKosher salt*
¼teaspoonground black pepper
1teaspoonred pepper flakesoptional
2tablespoonvodkaoptional
½cupshredded parmesan cheese
½cupfresh basil leavesloosely packed - or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Fill a big pot with water and a generous amount of salt. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook, following the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, drain and set aside.
Saute the onions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until warm, 2-3 minutes. Add in the onion, constantly stirring, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
Cook the garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook, constantly stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon, for 1-2 minutes. It might separate a little bit (and look like it is a bit curdled). That is normal.
Add the heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 30 seconds to a minute. This happens so quickly, so do not leave sight of it and do not stop stirring.
Stir in the butter and seasonings: Stir in butter, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes, if using.
Pour in the (optional) vodka: Off the heat; if using, stir in the vodka and mix.
Combine with the pasta: Add the now-cooked pasta to the vodka sauce. Give it a toss to make sure that the sauce is evenly distributed. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water if it gets too thick or starts sticking.
Garnish and serve: Finish it off with parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Ladle into bowls and serve.
Video
Notes
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people generously, but you can stretch it to serve 6 if you serve it as a side dish. You can also half the recipe by using 8 ounce/ 225 grams of pasta (usually half a box).
Store: Store your pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat: I think the best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. However, you can use your microwave too. I recommend adding a splash of milk, half and half, heavy cream, or water while heating to return the dish to a creamy consistency.
How to make it without vodka? You can easily make this recipe without using vodka. Simply use one of the suggestions below or omit it.
Lemon juice: A tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is a great substitute for vodka while still giving the vodka sauce recipe an acidic kick.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides that acidic, slightly alcoholic taste while being alcohol-free. This stuff is strong, so all you need to do is add a splash to your Gigi Hadid vodka pasta recipe without vodka.
Pasta water: Adding a splash of pasta water in place of the vodka will give your spicy vodka pasta without vodka more flavor and thin it out a bit.