Gigi Hadid Pasta - The Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe That Went Viral
Were you around when Gigi Hadid's viral Spicy Vodka pasta recipe took TikTok by storm? If not, you've been missing out! But fear not, we're here to catch you up because it's simply too good to pass up. This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make and can be dressed up with a side of Italian salad, garlic bread and a glass of red wine for a complete, sophisticated meal.
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Ingredients
Cup measurements are US
- 1 lb dry pasta - 450g. Like penne or rigatoni
- ¼ cup olive oil - 60ml
- 2 fat garlic cloves, chopped - or two teaspoons garlic paste
- ½ large onion, finely chopped - approx. 4½ oz/125g. Can also use shallots
- ½ cup tomato paste - 120ml, or approx. 150g
- 2 tablespoons vodka - leave out for non-alcoholic version
- 1 cup heavy cream (double cream) - 240ml
- 1-2 teaspoons red chilli flakes - or red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter - 30g
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated - 120ml/60g
- handful of fresh basil
Instructions
Get the pasta going
- In a large saucepan, cook the pasta following the instructions on the package. Make sure to generously season the pasta water with salt.1 lb dry pasta
- Before draining the pasta, set aside around half a cup (about 120ml) of pasta water.
Making the creamy tomato sauce
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the chopped garlic and fry it briefly for about 30 seconds.¼ cup olive oil, 2 fat garlic cloves, chopped
- Add the chopped onions and gently fry them until they become soft and translucent. Be cautious not to brown them too much, so maintain a gentle heat. This should take approximately 4-5 minutes.½ large onion, finely chopped
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 4-5 minutes over low heat. This will allow the tomatoes to caramelise slightly, darken a bit and remove the acidity.½ cup tomato paste
- Pour in the vodka and cook for 1-2 minutes, maintaining a gentle heat. Be cautious when adding the vodka as the sauce might sputter a little.2 tablespoons vodka
- Add the double cream and the chilli flakes. Stir and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cream has been heated through.1 cup heavy cream (double cream), 1-2 teaspoons red chilli flakes, salt and black pepper to taste
- Add the butter to the hot sauce and stir it through until melted.2 tablespoons butter
- Add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Gently mix the sauce into the pasta until it's well combined.
- To finish, sprinkle the parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the pasta. Stir them through the sauce.½ cup parmesan cheese, grated, handful of fresh basil
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more if needed.
- Serve the pasta in pasta bowls and if you wish, add extra parmesan and basil for a final touch.
Notes
Quality pasta matters
Choose high-quality pasta as it can make a real difference in the taste and texture of the final dish. Use pasta that will hold its shape well when it's been tossed in the tomato sauce. Go for types of pasta that have ridges and grooves that help them hold onto the sauce, while also maintaining their shape and texture.Don't overcook the pasta
Ensure you cook the pasta just right to preserve its texture. Follow the instructions on the package and taste-test it a minute or two before the suggested time to achieve that perfect al dente consistency.Remember the pasta water
Pasta water is liquid gold for silky smooth pasta! Save a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. To avoid forgetting, place a measuring cup in the colander.Go easy on the chilli flakes
Chilli flakes can vary in heat intensity, so start by adding a small amount, taste the sauce and gradually increase if desired. Remember, you can always add more, but it's tricky to tone down the heat if you've added too much at once.Embrace black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful zing to the pasta dish. Don't hold back on this seasoning - it complements the flavours and adds a lovely kick. Grinding pepper just before using it ensures the freshest and fullest flavour.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
Calories: 918kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 564mg | Potassium: 714mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1883IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 3mg