Rich Gigi Hadid Pasta

This creamy, spicy vodka pasta recipe gained viral fame when supermodel Gigi Hadid shared it on Instagram, captivating millions with its simple yet luxurious combination of tomato, cream, and spice. The silky sauce coats each pasta piece perfectly, making this an impressive yet approachable weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant.

I first made this pasta during lockdown when everyone was recreating Gigi's viral dish. My family was immediately hooked, and now it's our go-to comfort meal whenever we want something indulgent but easy. The way the cream mellows the tomato acidity creates magic in the pan.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta 400g: the ridged texture captures the creamy sauce perfectly
• Olive Oil 2 tablespoons: use good quality for best flavor as it forms the base
• Garlic 4 cloves minced: fresh garlic is non-negotiable for authentic flavor
• Tomato Paste 1/2 cup: provides concentrated flavor and rich color
• Heavy Cream 1 cup: creates the signature silky texture
• Red Pepper Flakes 1 teaspoon: adjust based on your spice preference
• Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup grated: use freshly grated for best melting
• Fresh Basil a handful chopped: adds brightness and color
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: essential for balancing flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt until it tastes like sea water. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes. The pasta should have a slight bite to it. Before draining, reserve a full cup of starchy pasta water. This is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Prepare the Flavor Base:

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden but not brown, which would create bitterness.

Develop the Tomato Flavor:

Add tomato paste to the garlic and oil. This step is magic. Cook the paste for a full 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly as it darkens slightly in color. This process caramelizes the sugars in the tomato paste, creating depth of flavor that makes this sauce special.

Create the Signature Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring to create a smooth emulsion with the tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Combine and Finish:

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired silky consistency. Fold in the grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring until completely melted and incorporated.

Garnish and Serve:

Divide pasta among warmed plates or bowls. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and scatter the freshly chopped basil over top. The heat will release the basil's aromatic oils. Serve immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest.

Pin it

The secret to this dish is properly cooking the tomato paste. I spent years making pasta with cream sauces but never took the time to really caramelize tomato paste. This technique transformed my cooking, creating depth you simply cannot achieve by just stirring it in at the end. My daughter now requests this as her birthday dinner every year.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this pasta lies in its adaptability. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or fold in fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrition. Grilled chicken makes it a heartier meal, while shrimp turns it into something special for date night. Some home cooks even add vodka (about 1/4 cup, cooked off before adding cream) for the classic vodka sauce experience that likely inspired the original recipe.

Storage Tips

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when cold. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can break the sauce. If freezing, do so without the pasta and make fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Pin it

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. A crusty garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce. For wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sangiovese complements the creamy tomato flavors without overwhelming them.

Cultural Context

While Gigi Hadid popularized this version in 2020, the dish is essentially a simplified penne alla vodka without the vodka. This style of cream and tomato sauce gained popularity in Italian-American restaurants during the 1970s and 1980s. The combination of cream and tomato was once considered unusual in traditional Italian cooking but has become a beloved fusion that represents the evolution of Italian cuisine in America.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use fusilli or rigatoni as alternatives.

→ Can I reduce the spice level?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder taste.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a small amount of butter.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from being too dry?

Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually to the sauce to achieve your desired consistency.

→ Can I add protein or vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding sautéed chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.