Gigi Hadid Pasta Delight

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

This creamy tomato pasta, inspired by Gigi Hadid, combines tender penne with a rich sauce of tomato paste, heavy cream, and aromatic spices. Flavored with hints of garlic, red chili flakes, and parmesan, it brings comforting and bold flavors to the table. Optional vodka adds depth, while freshly chopped basil elevates the dish with a burst of freshness. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s an easy and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Rose
Updated on Mon, 12 May 2025 10:41:11 GMT
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe Pin it
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe | lovelylifewithrose.com

This creamy, perfectly spiced Gigi Hadid pasta recipe has become my go-to dinner for both lazy weeknights and impressive date nights. The rich tomato cream sauce coats each piece of pasta beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to make at home.

I first discovered this recipe during lockdown when it went viral on social media. After trying it once, I understood the hype. The combination of spicy, creamy and savory flavors is absolutely irresistible, and I've been making it regularly ever since.

Ingredients

  • Penne pasta: The tubular shape catches pockets of sauce in every bite. Choose a high-quality pasta for the best texture.
  • Olive oil and butter: This combination creates a flavorful base without burning like butter alone might.
  • Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference here.
  • Tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor without watering down the sauce. Look for paste in a tube for best quality.
  • Red chili flakes: Adds the signature spicy kick that balances the cream. Adjust according to your heat preference.
  • Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish special. Full-fat works best.
  • Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for proper melting and authentic flavor. Pre-grated contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
  • Fresh basil: Brightens the rich sauce with herbaceous notes. Choose bright green leaves without any wilting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne and cook until just al dente according to package directions, usually around 9 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Build the flavor base:
Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and stir for about 10 seconds to bloom their flavor in the oil. Add tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This caramelizes the tomato paste slightly, developing deeper flavor. If using vodka, add it now and cook for 1 minute to burn off the alcohol.
Create the sauce:
Pour in the reserved pasta water and bring to a gentle boil, stirring to incorporate the tomato paste completely. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and Italian seasoning, then stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium low and add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish the dish:
Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and stir gently to coat each piece. Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil, then stir again until the cheese melts completely. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 minute to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (with and without vodka) Pin it
Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (with and without vodka) | lovelylifewithrose.com

The red pepper flakes are really what make this dish special in my opinion. When they bloom in the oil at the beginning, they infuse the entire sauce with a warm, complex heat that complements the richness of the cream perfectly. My partner, who normally avoids spicy food, always asks for seconds of this pasta.

The Vodka Question

The original viral recipe includes vodka, but many home cooks wonder if it's necessary. The vodka actually serves a culinary purpose by releasing flavors in the tomatoes that are not water-soluble. It adds a slight sharpness that balances the cream wonderfully. However, the recipe works beautifully without it too. When making it for my family, I often skip the vodka and nobody misses it. If you do include it, make sure to cook it for at least a minute to burn off the alcohol.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to the pasta before warming it either in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. I sometimes make a double batch specifically to have lunch ready for the next day.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthier flavor profile, or stir in fresh spinach just before serving for added nutrition and color. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp pair wonderfully with the sauce. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes. Rigatoni catches even more sauce in its ridges, while farfalle adds a fun presentation. I sometimes swap the Italian seasoning for herbs de Provence when I want a slightly different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni. Choose a sturdy pasta for the best results.

→ Is the vodka necessary for the sauce?

No, the vodka is optional. It adds a layer of depth to the flavor, but the dish is equally delicious without it.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese.

→ What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?

You can replace parmesan with pecorino romano, grana padano, or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

Gigi Hadid Pasta Dish

Indulge in a creamy, flavorful pasta inspired by Gigi Hadid, ready to enjoy in just half an hour.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 tablespoon butter
04 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
06 ¼ cup tomato paste
07 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
08 ½ teaspoon sugar
09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 Ground black pepper, to taste
11 Salt, to taste
12 ½ cup heavy cream
13 ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
14 2-3 basil leaves, freshly chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Add pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, ensuring the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use and drain the pasta.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Stir in the red chili flakes for a few seconds, then add the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of vodka and stir for another minute. Add the reserved pasta water, bring to a boil, then stir in salt, sugar, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer.

Step 03

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves, then remove from the flame.

Step 04

Serve the pasta dish with extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  1. Salt the pasta water generously to enhance its flavor.
  2. Adjust the chili flakes to control spiciness. Omit for a milder version suitable for children.
  3. Thin the sauce with additional pasta water or broth if it becomes too thick.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large pan
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, parmesan cheese).
  • Contains gluten (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 641
  • Total Fat: 39 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 16 g