There are some recipes that just seem to take over the internet overnight, appearing on every social media feed until you can’t ignore them anymore. Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta is one of those recipes. When I first saw it, I’ll admit I was skeptical. A supermodel’s go-to pasta dish? It sounded too trendy to be truly good. But the more I saw that vibrant, creamy, orange-pink sauce clinging perfectly to little shells of pasta, the more my curiosity grew. Finally, I gave in and tried it. And I was completely blown away. This isn’t just a viral trend; it is a genuinely fantastic, restaurant-quality pasta dish that is shockingly easy to make at home. The magic is in its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples—tomato paste, heavy cream, a splash of vodka—come together in under 30 minutes to create a sauce that is both luxuriously creamy and packed with a deep, savory flavor, all with a gentle, warming kick of spice. This recipe lives up to the hype and then some. It has become a staple in my own kitchen for a quick weeknight meal that feels incredibly special, and I promise it will in yours, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Viral for a Reason: This is the TikTok-famous recipe that everyone fell in love with because it’s genuinely delicious and lives up to the hype.
- Incredibly Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of tomato paste, heavy cream, and starchy pasta water creates a velvety smooth sauce that is rich and deeply savory.
- Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, you can have this impressive, restaurant-quality pasta on the table in about 25 minutes.
- Made with Simple Pantry Staples: You likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed to make this right now in your kitchen.
- Perfectly Balanced Spice: The heat from the red pepper flakes is adjustable and provides a wonderful, warming kick that beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Ingredient Breakdown
The genius of this recipe is how a few simple ingredients create such a complex and satisfying sauce. Let’s look at the key players.
- Pasta: Gigi Hadid used shell pasta, and other great options include orecchiette or rigatoni. You want a shape with cups or ridges that are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Tomato Paste: This is a crucial ingredient. The recipe uses a concentrated dose of tomato paste, not canned tomatoes. This provides a deep, intense, and slightly sweet tomato flavor without the wateriness of crushed or diced tomatoes.
- Vodka: Don’t be nervous about this ingredient! The alcohol cooks off completely, so it’s safe for everyone. The vodka serves a scientific purpose: it acts as an emulsifier, helping the cream and acidic tomato paste blend together into a smooth, stable sauce. It also helps to release and enhance some of the subtle flavors from the tomato paste.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its signature luxuriousness and creamy, pale orange color. Do not substitute with milk, as it won’t provide the same richness and may curdle.
- Red Pepper Flakes: This provides the “spicy” kick. The amount is completely up to you. Start with the recommended amount and you can always add more at the end if you like more heat.
- Shallot & Garlic: These aromatics provide the savory foundation for the sauce. A shallot offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than a yellow onion, which works perfectly in this delicate sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and melting ability, always use a wedge of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. It adds the perfect salty, umami finish.
- Starchy Pasta Water: This is the secret ingredient to the perfect sauce texture! The starchy, salty water left over from cooking the pasta helps to thicken the sauce and make it cling to every noodle. Never skip this step!
Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) medium shell or orecchiette pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced (or 1/4 of a small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.
- Start the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Bloom the Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes. The paste will darken to a deeper red and start to caramelize. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Add the Vodka: Stir in the vodka and cook for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the alcohol has cooked off.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and has turned into a beautiful, creamy orange-pink color. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add the butter and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously over low heat until the butter and cheese have melted and the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust the Consistency: Add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and glossy, clinging perfectly to the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
Step-by-Step Pro Tips and Cooking Insights
These simple tips will help you master this viral recipe on your first try.
Don’t Underestimate the Tomato Paste Step: The most important flavor-building step is cooking the tomato paste in the oil. This process, often called “blooming,” caramelizes the sugars in the paste, deepens its flavor, and removes any raw or metallic taste. Be patient and let it cook until it turns a lovely brick-red color.
The Magic of “Liquid Gold”: That starchy pasta water is the key to a restaurant-quality sauce. The starch in the water acts as an emulsifier and a thickener, helping the creamy sauce bind to the pasta instead of just pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Don’t be shy with it! Add splashes until the sauce is glossy and coats every single piece of pasta beautifully.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: This makes a world of difference. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting smoothly and can result in a slightly grainy sauce. Grating a block of Parmesan cheese yourself will ensure a perfectly smooth, melted finish.
Variations and Alternatives
While the original is fantastic, you can easily customize this dish.
- Without Vodka: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the vodka with a tablespoon of pasta water mixed with a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This will help deglaze the pan and provide a bit of the acidity.
- Add a Protein: Cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even a can of drained chickpeas would be a delicious addition to make this a heartier meal. Stir them in at the end with the pasta.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and the Parmesan with a high-quality vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Use a plant-based butter. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy pasta is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is the perfect tool for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: The richness of the vodka sauce is beautifully balanced by a simple salad of mixed greens, arugula, or romaine tossed in a bright and tangy lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of simple roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a nice touch of green and a different texture to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Guide
This pasta is definitely best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still a treat!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this pasta is in a small skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or water to the pan to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency as you stir it gently. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the sauce is more likely to separate and separate and become oily.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this pasta actually taste like vodka?
- No, not at all! The small amount of vodka is used for its chemical properties to enhance the sauce, and the alcohol content is completely cooked off during the cooking process. You won’t taste any alcohol in the final dish.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly?
- Yes. Since the alcohol is entirely cooked out, it is perfectly safe for children to eat. You may want to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if your kids are sensitive to spice.
- Can I use something other than heavy cream to make it lighter?
- You can try using half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner. It’s not recommended to use milk, as it has a much higher chance of curdling when combined with the acidic tomato paste.
- Why is my sauce not as creamy and pink as the pictures?
- This usually comes down to the ratio of tomato paste to cream. Make sure you are using a concentrated tomato paste and a full cup of heavy cream. Also, adding the starchy pasta water is key to achieving that perfectly smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta.
Whether you’re a fan of Gigi Hadid, a lover of all things pasta, or just someone looking for a quick and impressive new recipe to add to your rotation, this Spicy Vodka Pasta is a must-try. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, handled with a little bit of technique, can create something truly special. Enjoy!
