Creamy Gigi Hadid Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Recipe

I still remember the first time I scrolled past this pasta on my feed. It was late, I was hungry, and the creamy, blush-colored sauce looked like a warm hug in a bowl. I knew I had to try it, and honestly? It became an instant weeknight favorite in my kitchen.

This Gigi Hadid pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal: silky, rich, and just a little bit spicy. The combination of tomato paste, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka creates a sauce that's both indulgent and surprisingly balanced. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing guests, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. So grab your favorite pasta, put on some music, and let's make something beautiful together.

About the Ingredients

1 pound (450g) short pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)

Use any short pasta that catches sauce well. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or lentil pasta. Tip: Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions for a perfect al dente bite.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You can also use butter for a nuttier flavor. Tip: Use a good quality oil for the best taste.

4 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential. If you only have garlic powder, use 1 teaspoon. Tip: For a milder flavor, remove the green germ from the garlic clove.

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

This adds the signature mild heat. For a spicier kick, increase to 1 teaspoon, or use a pinch of cayenne. Tip: If you're sensitive to spice, start with 1/4 teaspoon.

1/2 cup (120ml) vodka

Vodka enhances the flavors without adding a strong alcohol taste. You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free version. Tip: Use a mid-priced vodka; no need for top-shelf.

1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste

Tomato paste gives the sauce its deep color and concentrated flavor. You can use 1/2 cup of passata (strained tomatoes) if you prefer a thinner sauce. Tip: Buy tomato paste in a tube for easy storage.

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Tip: For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds savory depth. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Tip: Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as well.

1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water, reserved

This starchy water helps bind the sauce and adjust consistency. Tip: Always reserve a cup before draining, just in case you need extra.

Salt and black pepper to taste

Season generously; the sauce needs salt to bring out flavors. Tip: Taste as you go—you can always add more, but you can't take it out.

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Basil adds a fresh, aromatic finish. You can also use parsley or chives. Tip: Tear the basil leaves, don't chop, to avoid bruising.

Tips & Tricks

• Reserve pasta water before draining—it's the secret to a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
• Don't skip the vodka! It may seem like a small addition, but it enhances the tomato flavor and adds a subtle complexity.
• For a restaurant-quality finish, toss the pasta in the sauce over low heat for a minute so it absorbs the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C), warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

3. Add vodka and reduce

Pour in the vodka and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has reduced by half and the alcohol smell has cooked off.

4. Bloom the tomato paste

Add the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, until the paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This deepens the flavor.

5. Create the creamy sauce

Reduce the heat to low (250°F/120°C) and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Finish with cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The residual heat will melt it without clumping.

8. Serve and garnish

Plate the pasta in warm bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness.

Delicious Variations

Add protein

Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.

Vegetable boost

Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach with the garlic for extra nutrients.

Spicy twist

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

How to Store Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe Allrecipes

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this creamy, dreamy Gigi Hadid pasta brings you the same cozy joy it brings to my kitchen. If you try it, let me know how it turns out in the comments below—I'd love to hear about your own twists and family reactions. Happy cooking, and remember: every meal is a chance to show yourself some love. With love, Aisha.

Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe Allrecipes

Indulge in Gigi Hadid's famous creamy, spicy vodka pasta—a viral TikTok sensation that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

★★★★½ 4.8 (237 ratings)

15 minPrep time20 minCook time6Servings510 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) short pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vodka
• 1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water, reserved
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. 2Sauté aromatics — In a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C), warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
3. 3Add vodka and reduce — Pour in the vodka and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has reduced by half and the alcohol smell has cooked off.
4. 4Bloom the tomato paste — Add the tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, until the paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This deepens the flavor.
5. 5Create the creamy sauce — Reduce the heat to low (250°F/120°C) and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6Combine pasta and sauce — Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. 7Finish with cheese — Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The residual heat will melt it without clumping.
8. 8Serve and garnish — Plate the pasta in warm bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This sauce is incredibly forgiving—if it seems too thick, just add more pasta water; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Trust your instincts.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 510 kcal · 15g protein · 58g carbs · 22g fat

Written by Aisha Khan
Aisha writes about mindful parenting and child development, drawing from her experiences raising three kids. She offers gentle, realistic advice for everyday challenges.