This pasta drenched in creamy vodka sauce is delicious and has a little kick, making it spicy—just like the model it’s named after, Gigi Hadid.
When I crave a tasty, saucy pasta, I imagine an Italian grandma makes it. But if one of the world’s top models cooks and loves this pasta, maybe I can feel runway-ready, too.
Gigi Hadid has appeared on the cover of Vogue around forty times worldwide. As she travels, Gigi has developed a refined palate and often talks about her love of cooking. She even competed on MasterChef Celebrity Showdown with Gordon Ramsay and won with her Gigi Burger. Her social media platform made the Gigi Hadid pasta almost as popular as the model herself.
Okay, more about the pasta and less about the gorgeous namesake. Imagine a dish of your favorite penne alla vodka. To me, it is the ultimate comfort food. The rich flavor is so creamy, a little tangy, and so delicious. Now, kick it up a bit with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Gigi Hadid’s pasta is also made with shells instead of penne, holding extra sauce in each bite.
Does Gigi Hadid Pasta contain real vodka?
Yes, Gigi Hadid pasta uses a small amount of real vodka. Most of the alcohol cooks off, so it won’t have the same effect as drinking vodka. Vodka helps blend the tomato sauce and cream, creating a smooth texture. If you don’t have vodka, you can use white wine or gin instead. For a non-alcoholic option, try chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even pasta water.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your Gigi Hadid pasta cool to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet, adding a little extra liquid if needed. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in a skillet.
Serving suggestions
Gigi Hadid pasta has the perfect consistency for soaking up sauce with fresh Italian bread baked in classic Garlic Butter. If the pasta’s carbs are enough, serve with a hearty salad, like Antipasto Salad or Italian Chopped Salad, both ready in 15 minutes. Finally, for added protein, try Healthy Oven-Fried Chicken, Creamy Garlic Chicken, or Pan-Fried Shrimp.
Gigi Hadid Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound shell pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vodka optional
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh basil whole leaves or thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente per the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. If using, add the vodka and let it cook for 1 minute so the alcohol evaporates.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Then mix in the butter and some of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir until it is well coated. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, adjusting to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
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