Gigi Hadid Pasta (With or Without Vodka)

What is Gigi Hadid Pasta, you ask? It’s an easy, straightforward dinner recipe that every busy cook should know! With a little heat from red pepper flakes and a fail-proof creamy sauce, this is a fantastic comfort food dish you’ll love.

Social Media’s Favorite Vodka Pasta Recipe!

If you haven’t tried Gigi Hadid’s pasta, what are you waiting for? This is one of several viral cooking sensations that has come out in the last few years and no wonder. Supermodel Gigi Hadid is a household name by now, but not only is she a stunning fashionista, she’s also a fantastic cook. This easy spin on pasta alla vodka is proof of that!

Because this pasta dish is basically just small pasta shells in creamy, tangy sauce, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want to make something hassle-free. The vodka in the sauce is totally optional, so if you don’t have any on hand, no worries. 

What Is in Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

One of my favorite things about this dish is that you only need a handful of basic pantry items to make it. Forgot to stop at the store after work? No problem! This dish can come together in a snap anyway.

• Pasta: I like to use pasta shells for this recipe, but you can also use orecchiette or classic penne.
• Salt: Some for the pasta cooking water, and some for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality oil for the best flavor.
• Shallots: Dice ‘em up!
• Garlic: Minced, or pressed.
• Tomato Paste: Make sure to use tomato paste, not tomato sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the secret to making an ultra-luxe, smooth sauce. Avoid using half and half – it’s good, but it won’t make the sauce as thick and rich.
• Seasonings: Red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Vodka: Any kind of vodka that you have is fine – you only need a spoonful (or just leave it out if you prefer).
• Butter: Adding a little bit of butter to the sauce once it’s done gives it an extra-luxurious flavor and texture.
• Parmesan: Some for the sauce, plus more for serving.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is optional for serving, but it definitely adds a great fragrance and taste.

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta

You’ll need a large pot to cook the pasta and a skillet to make the sauce. This dish comes together in no time flat, so buckle up and let’s do this!

• Cook the Pasta. First, boil a large pot of salted water, and then cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water in a separate measuring cup or dish, and drain the rest. 
• Saute the Onion and Garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook them for about 2 – 3 minutes, and then add the garlic and let that cook for a minute or so, stirring often. 
• Add the Tomato Sauce. Next, stir the tomato paste into the skillet, and cook it for a few minutes with the onion and garlic – this helps bring out all of the flavors in the tomato paste. 

• Add the Vodka, Cream, and Seasonings. Stir it occasionally, and then add the vodka and stir for one more minute. Last, add the cream, pasta water, and seasonings. Stir well, and simmer the sauce for five minutes or so.
• Finish the Sauce. Once the sauce has thickened a little bit, add the butter and parmesan cheese to the skillet, and whisk until the butter melts and the sauce is well-combined.

• Combine the Pasta and Sauce. Now that the sauce and pasta are done, mix them together and toss to coat.
• Serve and Enjoy! Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh basil, shaved parmesan, and
• additional red pepper flakes if desired. 

Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta in Vodka Sauce

When it comes to making this dish, you really can’t go wrong. It’s so, and makes a truly easy weeknight dinner. Want some helpful tips for success? Read on!

• Don’t Forget the Pasta Water: Some of the sauce’s creamy goodness comes from adding pasta-cooking-water to the pan. Save a little more than you need, just in case the sauce is too thick.
• Vodka Optional: Gigi famously made this without vodka on Instagram, and you can too! It’s great with or without.
• Shallots and Onions: Another missing ingredient on Gigi Hadid’s Insta? Shallot! Shallots have a complex flavor that really brings out the best in vodka sauce, but you can always improvise with red onion (or some other type of onion), just like Gigi did.
• Pasta Shapes: You can choose whatever pasta shape you like, but the ideal shape would definitely be something that can catch plenty of the sauce – think shells, orecchiette, or classic penne.
• Adding Cream: To keep the cream from curdling in the sauce, be sure to stir constantly while you add it, and turn down the heat if needed.
• Spice It Up: Use more or less of the red pepper flakes, to control the heat.
• Butter: Adding butter at the end gives the sauce a velvety richness, but you could also leave it out and let the cream do all the heavy lifting. Either way would be great.

Side Dish Suggestions

A great side dish can turn a simple plate of pasta and sauce into a delightful, satisfying dinner. These easy options would be perfect with your Gigi Hadid pasta:

• Salad: This colorful, juicy Avocado Salad is simple to whip up. Healthy fats from the avocado make it a creamy, flavorful dish you’ll turn to repeatedly.
• Shrimp: Another avocado-packed goodie, this Shrimp Salad with Avocado couldn’t be easier, and its seafood flavor profile would be beautiful with pasta in vodka sauce.
• Chicken: Don’t sleep on this classic Lemon Chicken Breast Recipe – it’s anything but boring. Tangy, fresh, and juicy chicken is sure to please!

How to Store and Reheat Pasta with Vodka Sauce

• To refrigerate: This Gigi Hadid pasta recipe will keep for 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator, covered tightly or placed in a food storage container.
• To reheat, just microwave the desired amount for a few seconds at a time, stirring each time. You can also reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat.
• To freeze: To freeze your leftover pasta, cool it down and pack it into an airtight freezer container or a freezer bag. Store it in your freezer for up to three months, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

More Perfect Pasta Recipes

• Fiesta Pasta Salad
• One Pot Jambalaya Pasta
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese