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Home » Italian

Gigi Hadid Pasta {Spicy Pasta alla Vodka}

Published: Aug 24, 2022 · Modified: Oct 17, 2022 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links where I earn a commission, at no charge to you, if you make a purchase using my link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This Gigi Hadid pasta recipe, more commonly known as pasta alla vodka, features a rich tomato cream sauce with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. It's a mouthwatering weeknight meal in under 30 minutes!

A large bowl of spicy pasta alla vodka served with a glass of red wine.
Jump to:
  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Do I Have to use Vodka?
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • What to Serve with Pasta alla Vodka
  • Recipe Tips and FAQs
  • More of my Favorite Pasta Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • More Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Why this Recipe Works

This spicy vodka pasta dish went viral after an Instagram story from Gigi Hadid, a celebrity supermodel, in 2020. But it's actually a classic Italian recipe commonly known as Pasta alla Vodka.

The creamy tomato-based sauce is quick and easy to make, but rich and full of flavor, with a hint of heat from dried chili flakes. It's a satisfying weeknight pasta dinner that you can make with common pantry ingredients!

Do I Have to use Vodka?

The vodka balances out the flavors and enhances the fruitiness of the sauce as it is cooked, without making it taste boozy.

But if you prefer to leave it out that is totally fine! It's a delicious sauce with or without the vodka. In fact, Gigi Hadid left it out in her original recipe as well.

If you leave out the vodka, the sauce will taste slightly more acidic from the tomato paste. You can substitute water, apple juice, or white grape juice and a squeeze of lemon juice to help balance the sauce with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredient Notes

  • Pasta - The pasta shells with ridges that Gigi Hadid used in her recipe work great to hold the rich and creamy vodka sauce. But this spicy pasta alla vodka recipe is also commonly made with penne pasta and is often called "penne alla vodka". Just about any pasta works well with this delicious vodka sauce.
  • Cheese - I highly recommend shredding your own Parmesan cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-clumping agents and can result in grainy sauce.
  • Shallot - The shallot in this recipe can be substituted with white, yellow, or red onion.
Ingredients for spicy pasta alla vodka, shown arranged on a countertop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce after cooking the pasta, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Then add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, again stirring frequently, until the tomato paste is slightly darkened.
Shallot and garlic shown cooking in a pan.
Tomato paste cooking in a saucepan with sautéed shallot and garlic.
  1. If you are using vodka, stir it in with the cooked tomato paste and cook for another minute. Be sure to add it to a small bowl or cup, and then pour it into the pan, and do not pour it directly from the bottle in case it ignites!
  2. Add the cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute or two, stirring frequently, until the sauce is combined and smooth.
A saucepan with cooked tomato paste and vodka added to the pan.
Cooked tomato paste with heavy cream and chili flakes in a pan.
  1. Next add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and the butter and stir into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick add a little more of the pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  2. Add the pasta, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil, and stir until the pasta is well coated. Serve in bowls and garnish with additional basil and cheese if desired.
Vodka sauce shown cooking with butter and pasta water added on top.
Finished pasta with vodka sauce shown in a pan topped with parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

What to Serve with Pasta alla Vodka

This Gigi Hadid vodka pasta is a tasty meal all on its own, but for a heartier meal you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta.

For side dishes, you can never go wrong with a side salad and some crusty garlic bread! For salads, I like to serve it with a salad that is slightly sweet to help balance the heat of the spicy vodka sauce. A couple of great options are:

  • Chick-fil-a Kale Salad (Copycat Recipe)
  • Fall Apple Walnut Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad
Close up of a bowl of Gigi Hadid's spicy vodka pasta topped with shredded cheese and fresh basil.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

How to store and reheat Pasta alla Vodka.

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat stir in a splash of cream to help loosen up the sauce and cook until warmed through.

Can I use different pasta?

Yes! This dish is often made with penne pasta, but any small to medium-shaped pasta or noodle pasta will work.

Can I make vodka sauce with milk?

I do not recommend using milk in place of cream in this recipe. The combination of starchy pasta water, heavy cream, and butter produces a rich and luxurious sauce that is silky smooth.

Low fat milk contains much more water and will not produce the same consistency. Half and Half will work as an alternative if you must substitute.

More of my Favorite Pasta Recipes

  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
  • Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
  • Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Under 30 Minute Meal!)
  • Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
  • Lasagna with Homemade Noodles

If you try this recipe don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Pasta alla Vodka)

This Gigi Hadid pasta alla vodka has a rich tomato cream sauce with a spicy kick. It's an amazing weeknight meal in under 30 minutes!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Share Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 644kcal

Equipment

  • Liquid Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 16 oz pasta shells
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons vodka
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce after cooking the pasta, then drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Then add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, again stirring frequently, until the tomato paste is slightly darkened.
  • If using vodka, stir it in with the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Be sure to add it to a small bowl or cup, and then pour it into the pan, and do not pour it directly from the bottle in case it ignites!
  • Add the cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute or two, stirring frequently, until the sauce is combined and smooth.
  • Next, add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and the butter and stir into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick add a little more of the pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the pasta, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil, and stir until the pasta is well coated. Serve in bowls and garnish with additional basil and cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 644kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 13gFat: 42gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 866mgFiber: 6gSugar: 14g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Gigi Hadid pasta, Pasta, pasta alla vodka, vodka pasta
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

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Hello, I'm Scott! ! I'm a former professional cook and a long-time home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

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  • Asian Chicken Meatballs
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About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! ! I'm a former professional cook and a long-time home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

Read More →

Lighter Favorites

  • Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
  • Asian Chicken Meatballs
  • Kale and Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs
  • Tropical Green Smoothie
  • Baked Lemon Dill Salmon

See More →

Featured Recipes

  • Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole (Without Soup!)
  • Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • Lasagna with Homemade Noodles
  • Instant Pot Pork Roast and Potatoes
  • Brioche French Toast Casserole
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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