Creamy Gigi Hadid Pasta made with shell pasta, tomato paste, heavy cream, Parmesan, and vodka. Super easy and ridiculously tasty!
Not gonna lie, I was late to the whole Gigi Hadid Pasta craze. I remember scrolling through TikTok, half-paying attention while sipping cold coffee (I like to pretend it was intentional—like, iced coffee? Nope, just distracted). Suddenly, there it was: a creamy, fiery red sauce being swirled into perfection, with Gigi herself giving us her secret to happiness in pasta form.
And you know what? I wasn’t convinced at first. I mean, how good could it really be? But then… curiosity (and maybe boredom?) got the best of me. I raided my pantry—no vodka, but we roll with it—and threw it together. My husband took one bite and literally said, “Marry me.” (Already married, but still. Compliments like that? I’ll take ‘em.)
Now, this Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe is on repeat at our house. I make it when I want to feel fancy, but also when I just need carbs and comfort. Sound familiar?
Why You’ll Love This Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe?
Okay, let me break it down:
- Easy-peasy. Seriously. If you can stir a sauce, you can make this.
- Creamy & spicy. You get that rich creaminess balanced by a kick from the red pepper flakes. (And if you’re like me, you probably add a little extra because spice = life.)
- No fancy stuff. Just basic pantry staples. Bonus points if you happen to have vodka lying around from that cocktail night you planned but never hosted.
- Restaurant vibes without leaving your house. It’s giving candlelight dinners at home, sweatpants optional.
Ingredient Notes:
You might already have most of this in your kitchen—if not, it’s a quick grocery trip!
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Pasta: The classic is shell pasta, but I’ve tried it with rigatoni and penne and it’s still chef’s kiss. Go with whatever hugs the sauce best.
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Olive Oil: Use a good one. It makes a difference, I swear.
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Onion & Garlic: This is the flavor base. Don’t rush this part. I’ve tried skipping the onions (because lazy) and instantly regretted it.
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Tomato Paste: That deep, sweet tomato flavor? All thanks to this.
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Heavy Cream: This is what makes it creamy and decadent. You need it. No shortcuts here.
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Vodka: Optional. I’ve made it both ways. If you’re out, no stress—skip it or use water.
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Butter: Just a tablespoon, but it makes the sauce silky smooth. Trust me.
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Red Pepper Flakes: Add as much or as little as you want. I go heavy because we like to sweat while we eat. (Kidding… sort of.)
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Parmesan: Freshly grated is non-negotiable in my world.
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Basil: Optional garnish, but man, it makes the dish look fancy.
How To Make Gigi Hadid Pasta?
Step 1: Boil That Pasta
Get a big pot of salted water going. Cook your pasta until al dente—firm but not crunchy. Save a cup of that magic pasta water before draining! You’ll need it later to bring the sauce together.
Step 2: Sauté Like a Pro
In a big pan, heat the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it softens and gets all golden and sweet-smelling. Then, in goes the garlic. Stir that around for 30 seconds. (If your kitchen doesn’t smell amazing by now, you’re doing it wrong!)
Step 3: Tomato Paste Time
Add the tomato paste. It’ll look weird at first, but keep stirring. You want it to deepen in color—that’s the flavor concentrating. Think rich, jammy tomato goodness.
Step 4: Creamy Goodness + Vodka Splash
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Whisk in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle boil. Then, add the vodka if you’re using it. (I sometimes skip this and it’s still delish.) Simmer the sauce for about a minute.
Step 5: Make It Velvety
Stir in the butter, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and tweak if you need to. Want more spice? You know what to do.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to your sauce. Mix until every piece is coated. Add a splash of pasta water if it’s too thick. Don’t skip this step! It makes the sauce cling to the pasta like magic.
Step 7: Finish Strong
Top with a generous handful of Parmesan and some torn basil leaves. Give it one last toss and plate it up.
Storage Options:
If you have leftovers (big if), they keep well in the fridge for up to three days. I store mine in a glass container because plastic gets stained by tomato sauce—learned that the hard way. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back up. Microwave works too, but stovetop is better. Pinky promise.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No vodka? Skip it! It’s mostly for flavor balance but totally not a deal-breaker.
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No heavy cream? I’ve subbed in half-and-half in a pinch. Still creamy, just a tad lighter.
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Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp works beautifully. My husband insists on crispy pancetta (who am I to argue?).
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Gluten-free pasta? Absolutely. Just follow the box instructions, and you’re good to go.
What to Serve with Gigi Hadid Pasta?
This pasta is rich, so a light side works best.
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Simple green salad: A squeeze of lemon and olive oil is all you need.
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Garlic bread: Because more carbs? Yes, always.
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Roasted veggies: I’m partial to zucchini or asparagus. Balances out the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it super spicy?
Not really, unless you pile on the red pepper flakes (guilty). Adjust to your liking!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! But it’s best fresh. If you need to prep ahead, cook the sauce and pasta separately, then combine when ready to serve.
What’s the deal with the vodka?
It’s there to balance the acidity of the tomato paste and enhance flavor. But if you skip it, you won’t miss out on much.
And there you have it, friends—Gigi Hadid Pasta in all its creamy, dreamy glory. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a cozy dinner, this pasta is your new go-to.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Did you spice it up? Add chicken? Skip the vodka? I’m all ears. And if you share your version on Instagram… tag me. I love seeing what you whip up!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Gigi Hadid Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound shell pasta such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn.
Add Tomato Paste and Cream:
- Stir the tomato paste into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly in color. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Season and Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Incorporate the vodka and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 to 60 seconds to meld the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Finish with Cheese and Herbs:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to combine.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Substitute the traditional shell pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure you follow the cooking instructions provided on the packaging to achieve the correct texture.
- Verify that the vodka (if used) and all additional ingredients, such as tomato paste and Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!