Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe You Can’t Resist

There’s something magical about the first bite of Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy  pasta. I still remember making this best Gigi Hadid pasta recipe for the first time—the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, the rich tomato base transforming with a splash of cream. This isn’t just any celebrity recipe that went viral; it’s a genuinely delicious, approachable pasta dish that deserves all its TikTok fame.

Whether you call it Gigi Hadid pasta, spicy vodka pasta, or that “model pasta recipe,” it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry staples. What began as the supermodel’s casual Instagram story in 2020 has become a weeknight dinner sensation in homes worldwide—and for good reason!

Let me guide you through making this easy Gigi Hadid pasta exactly like the supermodel herself, with a few expert tips I’ve learned after preparing it countless times for friends and family who now request it regularly.

Why You’ll Love This Gigi Hadid Pasta

✅ Ready in just 25 minutes from pantry to plate—perfect for busy weeknights!
✅ Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have at home
✅ Adaptable to dietary needs—easily made vegetarian or gluten-free
✅ Balanced flavor profile with the perfect creamy-spicy-savory combination
✅ Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginner cooks
✅ The best way to make Gigi Hadid pasta at home with consistent results every time
✅ Quick and easy Gigi Hadid pasta recipe that tastes like it took hours
✅ Incredible leftover potential—it actually tastes even better the next day!

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Looking for a date night dinner? This pasta impresses. Need a quick weeknight meal? This is your answer. Craving something that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated? Gigi’s pasta delivers every time.

Ingredients for Gigi Hadid Pasta

For the pasta base:

• 8 oz (250g) shell pasta or penne (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon vodka (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (use nutritional yeast for vegan option)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment needed:

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

The must-have ingredients for Gigi Hadid pasta are definitely the tomato paste and heavy cream—these create the signature pink sauce that makes this dish so distinctive. The best spices for Gigi Hadid pasta include red pepper flakes for heat and fresh basil for that aromatic finish.

Ingredient Notes:

• Pasta shape: While Gigi uses shells, any short pasta works well. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all catch the sauce beautifully.
• Vodka: This is authentic to Gigi’s recipe but completely optional. The alcohol cooks off, leaving just a subtle depth of flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Start with less and add more to taste—this is where the signature “spicy” comes from!
• Cheese: Fresh-grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-grated varieties.

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out all remaining ingredients and have them ready beside your cooking area. This pasta comes together quickly, so preparation is key to a smooth cooking experience.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Pro tip: Taste a piece of pasta rather than relying solely on timing—it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Develop the Flavor

Add the tomato paste to the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor—you’re looking for the tomato paste to darken slightly and become aromatic.

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to bloom their flavors in the oil. This infuses the entire dish with gentle heat. Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just 1/2 teaspoon and adjust later.

Step 5: Add the Vodka (Optional)

If using, add the vodka to the pan and stir continuously for about 1 minute. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a subtle depth that complements the tomato.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, pink sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes as it thickens slightly.

Add the butter and stir until completely melted and incorporated.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat every piece thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Top with torn fresh basil leaves, additional grated Parmesan, and a twist of freshly ground black pepper.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the full Gigi Hadid pasta experience!

Pro Tips for the Best Gigi Hadid Pasta

After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve discovered several secrets that take it from good to absolutely incredible:

• Undercook your pasta slightly when boiling since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce
• Toast your tomato paste until it deepens in color—this develops a richer, more complex flavor base
• Gradually add the cream while continuously stirring to prevent any separation in the sauce
• Fresh herbs make a difference—if possible, use fresh basil rather than dried
• Let the sauce rest for 1-2 minutes after mixing everything together—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully
• For extra richness, try finishing with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving

Common Questions Solved:

Can I prepare Gigi Hadid pasta ahead of time? While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and reheat gently, adding fresh pasta just before serving.

What makes Gigi Hadid pasta extra special? The perfect balance of acidity from tomato, richness from cream, heat from red pepper flakes, and umami from Parmesan creates an addictive flavor profile greater than the sum of its simple parts.

No vodka? No problem! The vodka adds a subtle depth but is entirely optional. Your pasta will still be delicious without it.

Best Ways to Serve Gigi Hadid Pasta

The best way to serve Gigi Hadid pasta is immediately after combining the sauce and pasta, while it’s still hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. Here are some perfect pairings and serving suggestions:

Perfect Side Dishes

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia for sauce-dipping
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini
• A glass of chilled rosé or light red wine

When to Serve It

This versatile dish works beautifully for:

• Casual dinner parties (it’s always a conversation starter!)
• Date nights at home
• Weeknight family dinners
• Meal prep lunches (it reheats surprisingly well)

For an extra special touch, serve in warmed bowls to keep the pasta hot and the sauce perfectly creamy from first bite to last.

Nutritional Information

While this creamy pasta is certainly an indulgence, here’s what you can expect nutritionally from one serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 380mg (varies based on salt added)

Lighter options: For a lower-calorie version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons. You can also increase the protein by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Note: These values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portions.

Storage & Leftovers

One of the surprising benefits of this Gigi Hadid pasta recipe is how well it keeps! Here’s how to store and enjoy any leftovers:

How to store Gigi Hadid pasta leftovers:

1. Allow pasta to cool completely
2. Transfer to an airtight container
3. Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Reheating instructions for best results:

1. Stovetop method (recommended): Place in a non-stick skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until heated through.
2. Microwave method: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water or milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

The sauce may separate slightly when cold but will recombine beautifully when reheated gently. Add a fresh grating of Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves to refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gigi Hadid Pasta

Can I freeze Gigi Hadid pasta?

While you can freeze this pasta, the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing. If you need to freeze it, do so before adding the cream, then add fresh cream when reheating. For best results, consume within 2-3 months of freezing.

Is vodka necessary in Gigi Hadid’s pasta recipe?

No, the vodka is optional. It adds subtle depth but the pasta is still delicious without it. If you prefer to avoid alcohol completely, simply skip this ingredient without any substitution needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Gigi Hadid pasta?

For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works wonderfully. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce will be less rich). Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Can I add protein to Gigi Hadid pasta?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage all complement this pasta beautifully. For vegetarian protein, try adding white beans or chunks of fresh mozzarella.

Try These Variations of Gigi Hadid Pasta

One reason this recipe has remained popular is its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Veggie-Packed Version

Add 1 cup of sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition and color.

Extra-Spicy Gigi Pasta

Double the red pepper flakes and add a teaspoon of calabrian chili paste for serious heat lovers.

Seafood Gigi Pasta

Fold in 1/2 pound of cooked shrimp or lump crab meat just before serving for an elevated dinner.

Vegan Gigi Hadid Pasta

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and plant-based butter for a completely vegan version that still delivers on creaminess.

Conclusion: Why This Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe Stands Out

There’s a good reason this best Gigi Hadid pasta recipe broke the internet and continues to be a favorite years after it first appeared on social media. It strikes that perfect balance between effort and reward—simple enough for beginners but with results that taste professionally crafted.

The magic happens in those few minutes when the tomato paste caramelizes and the cream transforms it into a velvety pink sauce. Those little shells catching pockets of sauce ensure every bite delivers maximum flavor. It’s comfort food elevated just enough to feel special without being complicated.

I hope you’ll give this Gigi Hadid pasta recipe a try in your own kitchen. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you make it exactly as written or add your own twist? The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility and how easily it adapts to your preferences and pantry.

Remember, the best pasta is the one shared with people you love. So gather around the table, twirl those sauce-coated shells, and enjoy this simple but spectacular Gigi Hadid pasta!

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