When supermodel Gigi Hadid shared her spicy vodka pasta recipe on Instagram during lockdown, she unknowingly sparked a viral sensation that soon took over TikTok and dinner tables everywhere. This dish is more than just a celebrity trend—it truly strikes the perfect balance between creamy comfort and spicy sophistication. The secret is a tomato cream sauce made with vodka, red pepper flakes, and perfectly al dente pasta.
Even if you’ve never cooked Italian food before, this recipe is accessible to everyone. It delivers restaurant-quality results without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it can be.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta truly stand out is how it transforms pantry staples into something extraordinary. The vodka isn’t just for show—it brings out hidden notes in the tomato while cutting through the richness of the cream. This dish strikes a rare balance between being accessible and feeling sophisticated, so you don’t need fancy equipment or obscure ingredients to create something that tastes undeniably gourmet.
The gentle heat from red pepper flakes adds a warming kick without overwhelming the palate, making it appealing to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. Unlike many cream-based pastas that feel heavy, this one stays surprisingly light while delivering maximum flavor. It’s a perfect recipe for impressing guests or for treating yourself to an elevated weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16 oz shell pasta or orecchiette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 small onion diced finely
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Fresh basil leaves torn for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Create the flavor base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Develop the tomato flavor: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it darkens slightly and begins to caramelize. This concentrates the flavors and reduces acidity.
- Add the vodka and spice: Pour in the vodka and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add red pepper flakes and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol cooks off.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce turns a beautiful orange-pink color. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finish with richness: Add the butter and stir until completely melted and incorporated. The butter gives the sauce a silky, glossy finish.
- Reserve pasta water and drain: Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, along with 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta.
- Add cheese and season: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to warm bowls, garnish with torn basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality tomato paste that comes in a tube rather than a can for more concentrated flavor.
- The pasta water is crucial – its starchiness helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates the perfect consistency.
- Shell pasta or orecchiette work exceptionally well because they catch pockets of the sauce, but penne or rigatoni are great alternatives.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just warm it gently and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.
- The vodka can be omitted if necessary, though it does add a unique depth of flavor that’s difficult to replicate.
Equipment needed: Large pasta pot, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, wooden spoon, measuring cups, measuring spoons
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 680 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 75g (primarily from pasta)
- Fat: 35g (from olive oil, cream, and butter)
- Protein: 15g
- Contains dairy and gluten (from pasta)
- Not suitable for vegan diets without significant modifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooked pasta ruins the texture – Always cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce.
- Skipping the tomato paste cooking step – Don’t rush this part; cooking the tomato paste until it darkens deepens the flavor significantly.
- Adding too much vodka – More isn’t better here; too much will make the dish taste sharp and alcoholic rather than enhanced.
- Not using pasta water – Regular water won’t have the same starch content needed to create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Rushing the sauce reduction – Allow proper time for the cream to reduce slightly for optimal thickness.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta; corn-rice blends hold up best with this sauce.
- Alcohol-free: Replace vodka with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice plus 1 tablespoon of water to maintain acidity balance.
- Lower-calorie adaptation: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter to 1 tablespoon.
- Protein additions: Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pancetta make excellent protein additions. For vegetarian protein, add peas or pan-fried halloumi.
FAQs
Does the alcohol cook out of the vodka pasta?
Yes, when you simmer the vodka for a couple of minutes as directed, the alcohol evaporates, leaving only the flavor enhancement. The amount of vodka is minimal to begin with, and cooking reduces the alcohol content to trace amounts, making it safe for those avoiding alcohol.
Why does this recipe call for vodka specifically?
Vodka serves a unique culinary purpose beyond the “celebrity factor.” It acts as an emulsifier that prevents the cream from separating from the tomato’s acidity, creates a silkier texture, and enhances the tomato flavor by releasing compounds that are alcohol-soluble but not water-soluble. The result is a more complex, rounded flavor profile.
Can I make this less spicy for kids?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the red pepper flakes to a pinch or omit them entirely. You can serve the pasta plain for children and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the adults’ portions at the table. The dish is still delicious without the heat component.
Why did my sauce break or look curdled?
This typically happens when the heat is too high when adding the cream or if the cream is straight from the refrigerator. To prevent this, ensure your cream is at room temperature before adding it, reduce the heat to medium-low, and incorporate the cream gradually while stirring constantly.
How can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on low until warm, adding a splash of cream if it’s too thick. Cook your pasta fresh, then combine with the warmed sauce, adding pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta lies in its ability to make anyone feel like a culinary star. With each creamy, spice-kissed bite, you’ll understand why this recipe broke the internet. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both casual weeknights and special occasions. There’s something undeniably satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something that feels so luxurious.
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Picture This (Detailed Visual Descriptions)
Alt Text for Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta image
Shell pasta in creamy orange-pink vodka sauce garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese.
Closeup of Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy vodka pasta with shell-shaped pasta in tomato cream sauce.
Steaming bowl of Gigi Hadid’s viral spicy vodka pasta with red pepper flakes and fresh herbs.
Creamy pasta shells in rich vodka sauce with visible red pepper flakes and grated cheese.
Overhead view of Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta in a white bowl with fresh basil garnish.
Twirled forkful of creamy shell pasta coated in vibrant orange-pink vodka sauce.
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