In 2020, this Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe went viral, and blew up Instagram and TikTok! Does it live up to the hype?! Absolutely! This creamy, spicy vodka sauce is restaurant-quality and such a cinch to make! I’ll give you Gigi’s exact recipe from Instagram and show you how to make this spicy pasta with and without vodka!
This is the exact recipe Gigi Hadid used in her spicy vodka pasta recipe that went viral on her Instagram story back in 2020! I just doubled it so I could use a a whole box of pasta 🙂
I believe Gigi was pregnant at the time she made this viral video, so she left the vodka out of hers, but noted where to add it in her instructions.
When this recipe went viral, my teenage daughter hopped right aboard the bandwagon and she STILL makes this dish at least once a month for us! In fact, she is the one who taught me how to make it!
In this recipe, I will show you how to make Gigi’s spicy vodka pasta recipe with and without vodka! Both are DELISH!
Not all viral recipes live up to the hype, but Gigi’s pasta sure does, along with Emily Mariko’s Salmon and Rice Bowl and Hailey Bieber’s Pizza Toast! If you haven’t tried those yet, whatcha waiting for?!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Restaurant-quality vodka pasta that’s super easy to make!
- Creamy, rich, spicy bowl of amazingness!
- A viral recipe trend that actually lives up to the hype!
- Uses simple ingredients to create a dish that is truly special!
WHAT IS GIGI HADID PASTA?
Gigi Hadid is a supermodel who happened to share a video from her kitchen that went viral in early 2020 (see her original Instagram Story here). Since then, it’s been on repeat in homes across the country and inspiring all sorts of non-cooking types to get in the kitchen!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing spicy vodka pasta recipe:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pasta: I personally think Gigi’s choice of shells for this pasta was spot on! They capture the sauce sooo nicely! But you can easily make this into “penne alla vodka” and use penne pasta. ANY pasta works, to be perfectly honest–the sauce is SO GOOD!
Vodka: Any brand of vodka will work just fine. If you don’t have vodka on hand, you can use one of the substitutes I list below or omit it all together. The sauce is wonderful without it, too.
In fact, Gigi’s original pasta on her Instagram story did not contain vodka (she left it out because she was secretly preggo!).
Onion: Gigi used red onion in her pasta, but mentions you can also use a shallot. White or yellow onion is just fine, too!
HOW TO MAKE GIGI HADID SPICY PASTA: STEP BY STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Cook your pasta according to package instructions. ((Reserve about one cup of the pasta water before draining)). While pasta is cooking, sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add tomato paste and cook a few minutes until tomato paste darkens a bit in color.
Step 3: Add vodka and cook for a minute or so until alcohol has a chance to burn off. Then, add in heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add pasta, reserved pasta water and butter. Stir until all the pasta is nicely coated.
Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS
- Be sure to reserve about a cup of your pasta cooking liquid for this dish. It’s easy to forget! (been there, done that)
- If the sauce seems too thick after you add the pasta, add a bit more pasta water. This is why I always like to have at least one cup on hand, even if the recipe only calls for 1/2 cup.
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk, just to loosen up the sauce a bit. Stir until heated through.
SUBSTITUTIONS FOR VODKA IN VODKA PASTA
There are two easy options to substitute vodka in “vodka” pasta:
- Omit the vodka completely. Vodka gives the dish a slight acidic note that is delish, but to be honest, if you leave it out, the dish is just as amazing!
- Equal Parts lime or lemon juice + apple or grape juice: Vodka just adds a bit of acid to this dish that is subtle but delish! You can recreate that “acid” with equal parts of lemon or lime juice mixed with apple or grape juice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
100%!! This pasta is restaurant-quality and can be made so easily! It’s creamy, rich and uses easy to find, basic ingredients.
The heavy cream really works to thicken the sauce and make it rich and delicious. Milk dilutes the sauce a little too much. Half and half is a better option if you don’t want to use heavy cream.
Gigi’s recipe on her Instagram uses regular shell pasta….which I think it PERFECT because the sauce fills up those shells and makes such an amazing bite! (I can literally taste it RIGHT NOW)
Penne alla Vodka is pretty much the exact same method and recipe, just using penne pasta. But ANY pasta works –orecchiette, spaghetti, bow ties, rotini…they all work great!
To be honest, you could put this sauce over a piece of wood and I’d eat it.
No sugarcoating it, here. This pasta dish isn’t the healthiest meal on the planet. However, there are a few easy ways you can make it a bit healthier:
1) Reduce the olive oil to 1-2 tablespoons.
2) Omit the butter.
3) Replace the heavy cream with half and half.
4) Use whole wheat pasta (not my choice, but do as you wish!)
Adding grilled chicken or shrimp would be excellent to add some protein to this dish!
Since this pasta dish is on the heavier side, I love serving this light, crisp arugula salad on the side. This classic tossed salad is great, too! And don’t forget the garlic bread! 🙂
OTHER VIRAL RECIPES THAT YOU’LL LOVE
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Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb shell pasta + 1 cup starchy cooking liquid
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 shallot, white or yellow onion work, too!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced the best garlic chopper!
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp vodka See Note 1 for substitutions
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + more to taste
- sea salt and pepper, to taste
- chopped basil, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid before draining (you may not need all of this, but I always reserve 1 cup).
- While pasta is cooking, over medium heat, add olive oil to a large pan. When oil is hot, add onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir often so garlic doesn't burn.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Tomato paste will turn a slightly darker color.
- Add vodka (if using) and cook for 1 minute. To make this dish without vodka simply omit this step OR use one of the substitutions listed in Note 1.
- Add heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often until sauce thickens (it will thicken up quickly!).
- Add in your pasta, 1/2 cup of pasta water and butter. Stir, stir, stir until butter is "melted and saucy" according to Gigi! 🙂 Make sure the pasta is completely coated in the sauce. Add a little more pasta water if sauce seems too thick.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Omit the vodka completely. Vodka gives the dish a slight acidic note that is delish, but to be honest, if you leave it out, the dish is just as amazing!
- Equal Parts Lime/Lemon Juice + Apple/Grape Juice: Vodka just adds a bit of acid to this dish that is subtle but delish! You can recreate that “acid” with equal parts of lemon or lime juice mixed with apple or grape juice.
Vicky says
I must have been living under a rock when this took off. I never heard of it but it looks amazing! I love the simple ingredients and how easy it is to make.
Teodora Grujic says
This was delicious, and I am making it again! Thanks for the recipe!
Heather says
Somehow missed the viral train on this pasta! Thank you for sharing because omg it was amazing!!
Sophia says
This pasta is so good! I love the addition of butter. I don’t normally add butter to my vodka pasta but it really takes this dish up a notch. Delicious!
Sharon says
This dish is so easy and simple but FULL of flavor! I love the addition of the heavy cream which gives it a rich flavor.
Anjali says
This pasta looks so rich and satisfying!! Perfect for an easy dinner for our family – can’t wait to make it soon!
Carrie Robinson says
I just love a simple and flavorful pasta dish like this! 🙂 Definitely adding this to my weekly dinner plan soon.
Holley says
Creamy with the perfect amount of spice! Yum!!!
Beth says
This is one delicious recipe. I like it with the vodka and extra garlic. Thanks for sharing this!
Mirlene says
You know I’ll be adding vodka to the sauce for more flavor. Tho, I will hide this pasta from the kids lol
Casey Rooney says
That sure won’t hurt! LOL!!! 🙂 xo
Susan T Stephenson says
The alcohol cooks out. 2 T for a whole recipe would not affect a child or pregnant woman.
Casey Rooney says
Yep! I just like to include both options !
Claudia Lamascolo says
This was delicious and the whole family loved the flavors in this sauce!
Ieva says
I’ve not seen the recipe on TikTok or Instagram but decided to try it anyway, and I was really pleased with the result. Very tasty and vodka adds a little something extra for sure! 🙂
Casey Rooney says
SO glad you loved it, Leva! XO ~ Casey
Priya Srinivasan says
Oh my god, i m sitting and commenting in the middle of the night and now i m hungry of this amazing pasta!!! It looks totally delish and i m loving that hype, definitely giving this a try!
Casey Rooney says
LOL! It’s def. worth the hype!! XO ~ Casey
Gail Montero says
This is the pasta after my own heart! I’ll probably add a bit more vodka just because…..! Seriously, love the flavor of this tasty recipe!
Casey Rooney says
I mean….you can’t go wrong!! LOL! XO ~ Casey
Jamie says
This pasta is so creamy and delicious! My family loved it with a side of garlic bread. We’ll be making it again!
Casey Rooney says
So glad your family enjoyed it, Jamie! XO ~ Casey
Nathan says
I love this spicy pasta recipe! The sauce turns out perfectly and it’s just the right amount of heat. Thanks for breaking it down and making it so easy!
Casey Rooney says
So glad it came out great, Nathan! XO ~ Casey