I made Gigi Hadid Pasta on a whim with leftover vodka, canned tomatoes, and some cream, craving something creamy and comforting. It came together surprisingly easily, and the sauce was rich, balanced, and full of flavor.
Gigi Hadid Pasta has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners, it's quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.
The vodka brightens the tomato sauce, the cream makes it silky, and a touch of Parmesan and basil brings everything together. It's the kind of pasta that feels special without needing much effort.
What I love most about this spicy vodka pasta is how simple it is. You only need pantry staples, yet the result tastes like something you'd get at a restaurant.
Whether I use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, it always turns out rich, bold, and comforting.
The flavor builds step by step: sautéed onion and garlic, a splash of vodka, then tomatoes and cream.
After a short simmer, the sauce thickens perfectly and coats every piece of pasta. I sometimes serve it with a green salad, but honestly, it doesn't need anything extra.
Whether you call it Gigi Hadid Vodka Pasta or Penne alla Vodka, this dish always delivers. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a better cook just by following it.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Gigi Hadid Pasta
- It's a True One-Pan Meal: You build every layer of flavor in the same skillet with no extra mess.
- Silky, Rich Sauce: The mix of cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan creates that perfect creamy tomato balance.
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: Whether you're serving guests or just yourself, this pasta always gets rave reviews.
- Easy to Customize: No vodka? No problem. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feels Special, But It's Simple: The steps are straightforward, but the result is totally restaurant-worthy.
🧾Gigi Hadid Pasta Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe:
- Sea Salt: I always add a full tablespoon to the pasta water.
- Pasta: I usually reach for penne or rigatoni because they hold onto the sauce so well.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a splash is enough to start the base of the sauce.
- Onion: I like to finely chop one onion and cook it until soft and golden; it builds a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato.
- Salt: A little pinch helps the onion break down and deepens the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: I always use four cloves; freshly minced. Garlic adds a sharp, fragrant warmth that makes the whole dish smell amazing.
- Vodka: This might seem unusual, but I've found it brings out the tomato flavor in such a unique way. Just a small pour makes a difference.
- Canned Tomatoes: I love using canned whole or crushed tomatoes; they're reliable and simmer down beautifully into a flavorful base.
- Basil Leaves: A few fresh basil leaves, sliced thin, go in at the end for a burst of color and a hint of brightness I wouldn't skip.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch gives the sauce a little depth and contrast without being too spicy.
- Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and luxurious; I stir it in at the end to keep the texture smooth and velvety.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: I always grate mine fresh and stir it in just before serving. It melts right in and adds that final, salty, cheesy finish I love.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté finely chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in vodka and simmer briefly to cook off the alcohol, then add canned tomatoes and basil; season with salt and let the sauce cook down.
4. Stir in cream and simmer until thickened, then mix in pasta and reserved water as needed; finish with Parmesan and serve hot with extra cheese and basil.
📖Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I cook the garlic. It gives the sauce a subtle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
- No Vodka? No Problem: When I'm out of vodka, I just use a splash of pasta water or vegetable broth instead. It still turns out delicious.
- Add Protein: Sometimes I toss in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier version; it turns it into a full meal.
- Go Dairy-Free: I've swapped the cream for unsweetened oat cream and used nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It's still creamy and flavorful!
- Use What Pasta You Have: I've made this with spaghetti, shells, even fusilli. It works with whatever pasta shape is in your pantry.
🍽 What to Serve with Gigi Hadid Pasta
I love enjoying Gigi Hadid Pasta with crusty bread or crackers to soak up the delicious sauce. The rich flavors pair well with almost any side dish.
Fresh salads like Caesar Salad, Egg Potato Salad, Waldorf Salad, or Tuna Salad add a nice balance and freshness to the meal.
I like to pair it with chilled white wine, sparkling water, and lemonade for a refreshing accompaniment.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Chop the Onion Finely First: I always dice the onion before anything else so it softens quickly and blends into the sauce without any big pieces.
Bring the Cream to Room Temp: I take the cream out of the fridge early; it mixes into the sauce so much better when it's not cold.
Pour the Vodka Slowly: I like to add the vodka a little at a time while scraping the pan; it lifts all the flavor from the garlic and onions.
Let the Sauce Thicken Naturally: If the tomatoes feel too watery, I just give them a few extra minutes to simmer before adding the cream. It always does the trick.
Grate the Parmesan Just Before Adding: I always wait to grate the cheese until the very end; it tastes fresher and melts right into the sauce.
Save and Reheat Gently: I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of cream or pasta water in the pan to bring the sauce back to life; it makes a big difference.
🍝More Pasta Recipes to Try!
If pasta is a staple in your kitchen, these recipes are full of ideas to keep your meals exciting and delicious:
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Pesto Pasta
- Baked Ziti
- Ground Turkey Pasta
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Pasta Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)
- Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Fettuccine
- Apple Macaroni
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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Recipe
Gigi Hadid Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Sea Salt
- 200 g Pasta
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Onion - Finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 4 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- 100 ml Vodka
- 400 g Canned Tomatoes
- Basil Leaves
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 100 ml Cream
- 50 g Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add sea salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion to the pan, season with salt, and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic to the pan, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add canned tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down and release their juices.
- Slice and stir in the basil leaves, then season with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Lower the heat, stir in the cream, and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
This looks so incredible! Adding this to my must-try recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Sandra says
I am obsessed with this creamy tomato sauce! Love how the pasta water helps create a silky smooth consistency. Thanks for sharing this recipe.