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If you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine, you need to try Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your friends and family at the table. In this post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps, tips, and variations to make this dish your own. Let’s dive into a delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Adjustable Spice Level: You can easily customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: This creamy spicy tomato pasta is a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta. This dish comes together quickly and is full of flavor.
– 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in building the taste. The penne pasta serves as a great base. Olive oil gives a rich flavor while garlic and onion add depth. Red pepper flakes bring the heat, and crushed tomatoes form the sauce. Heavy cream or coconut cream adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives it a cheesy finish. Fresh basil adds a nice touch on top.
Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to create a dish that is both simple and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with water. Add some salt and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. After cooking, reserve one cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant.
Making the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. Cook this mix for another minute. Then, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors.
Combining Ingredients for Creaminess
Now, lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well until the sauce turns pink. If it’s too thick, use some reserved pasta water to reach the right consistency. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plating the Dish
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the penne evenly in the spicy tomato sauce. For the finishing touch, plate the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creaminess
To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both options work well. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water. This helps thin it out while keeping it rich. Stir well to create a smooth blend of flavors.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Gigi’s pasta has a kick from red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. If you want more heat, add more flakes. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can’t take it away. Start small to find your perfect heat balance.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Penne pasta is great for this dish. Its shape holds the sauce well. You can also use rigatoni or even fusilli. The key is to pick a pasta with ridges or holes. These shapes trap the sauce and enhance each bite. Cooking it to al dente gives the best texture.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can always add more spice later!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce. Opt for fresh basil as a garnish for a pop of freshness.
- Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor. Add it gradually to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly, or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Variations
Dairy-Free Options
To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream gives a rich and creamy texture. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. This keeps the flavor bright and delicious without dairy.
Adding Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)
You can add protein to make it heartier. Cook some diced chicken or shrimp in the pot after sautéing the garlic and onion. Make sure to season them well. This adds great flavor and makes the meal more filling.
Vegetarian Alternatives
For a vegetarian twist, add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions and garlic. This not only enhances the taste but also adds nutrients. You can enjoy a colorful and healthy dish without meat.
Feel free to mix and match these variations. They keep the dish exciting and cater to different diets.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To save leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This will keep the flavors fresh.
Reheating Instructions
When ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a pot on low heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or cream. Stir well until it’s hot. This keeps it creamy and tasty.
Freezing the Pasta Dish
You can freeze this pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove or microwave until hot. Enjoy the flavors again!
FAQs
What makes Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta special?
Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta stands out for its creamy, spicy flavor. The blend of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream gives it a rich taste. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick. This dish is simple yet elegant. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, heat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. This way, the pasta stays fresh and tasty.
What are the best substitutes for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use coconut cream. It gives a nice flavor and is dairy-free. Another option is using a mix of milk and butter. This will mimic the creaminess without being too heavy. Choose what fits your diet best.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. Taste the sauce as you go. Adjust the spice to match your preference. A little extra heat can make the dish even more exciting!
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor to the sauce. It helps create a creamy texture. However, you can skip it if you want a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can be a good alternative for a cheesy taste without dairy. Choose what works best for you!
This recipe for Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta brings together simple ingredients for a big flavor. You learned how to cook the pasta, sauté aromatics, and create a spicy tomato sauce. I shared tips for creaminess and spice adjustments, plus tasty variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can store leftovers and reheat them easily. With this dish, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy cooking, and savor every bite of your creamy, spicy masterpiec
Gigi Hadid’s Creamy Spicy Tomato Pasta
A deliciously creamy and spicy tomato pasta dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the red pepper flakes for an extra kick, cooking for another minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until combined and the sauce turns a beautiful pink color. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the penne evenly in the spicy tomato sauce.
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
Keyword creamy, pasta, quick, spicy, tomato
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