Here’s the recipe for the viral Gigi Hadid pasta with spicy vodka sauce. This dish is an incredibly creamy and indulgent version of penne ala vodka but with shells. This dish is quick, easy, and can be prepared with or without alcohol! Jump to the Recipe

Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce Shells)

In 2020, Gigi’s spicy vodka sauce was the most searched pasta recipe on the web. Even today, it’s one of the most searched-for pasta recipes! Although I enjoy making recipes off of Instagram or TikTok videos, I find that full blog posts with detailed measurements are easier to follow. I’ve been making pasta alla vodka at home for years, so I decided to recreate Gigi’s spicy version with shells. I loved the flavor and heat, and it was easy to follow. This meal is ready in less than 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner.

INGREDIENTS:

SPICY VODKA SAUCE

Olive oil and shallot. (Gigi mentions that you can use either shallot or red onion. When I make vodka sauce, I always use shallot. The yellow onion also works well. Fresh garlic, tomato paste, and vodka (Gigi doesn’t drink vodka). Below is a note about this. (heavy whipping cream), red pepper flakes and salt, pepper and butter.

PASTA SHELLS

Gigi’s Pasta is made with shells. The girl was on to something when she said that shells are perfect for dipping into and holding the spicy vodka sauce.

PASTA WATER

Save a cup of water from the pasta before draining it. This is something I have always forgotten to do, even when cooking pasta.

FRESH PARMESAN

Fresh is the only way to go.

FRESH BASIL

The perfect pop of flavor for the top.

GIGI HADID PASTA DIRECTIONS:

STEP-BY STEP SPICY VODKA SAUCE:

Heat olive oil on the stove in a large pan. Sauté shallots and garlic on medium heat. Stir in tomato paste. It will initially clump with the garlic and shallot, but it will loosen up as it heats. Cook for about a minute.

Add the vodka. You will hear it sizzle and steam as it hits the hot pan. Stir the tomato paste into the mixture and reduce it by half.

Pour in heavy whipping Cream. Mix well. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently. Simmer until the sauce is thickened. Stir often.

*Note: Since I like spice, I add a lot of red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste. Add a little and then more later.

PASTA:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Shells can be cooked according to the instructions on the packaging or until al dente. Save one cup of pasta liquid. Drain the pasta, then add it to the pan along with the spicy vodka sauce. Stir butter into the sauce until it is melted. Yum.

 

Add the fresh Parmesan. It should melt into the pasta. Salt and pepper can be adjusted as necessary. Add more red pepper flakes if you want them to be spicier. Add some fresh basil to the top and Gigi Hadid pasta!

These pasta bowls are always a hit; unfortunately, they’re sold out. Here are the ones that look similar!

FAQS

WHY IS GIGI HADID PASTA SO GREAT?

It’s so delicious and flavorful. It was immediately popular because Gigid made it, and the recipe was easy to follow. Technically, it’s just penne ala vodka. Many people are searching for it because of her viral post, but they may not know it is a traditional dish. Or it is a newbie to cooking. I love the addition of red pepper flake and her use of shells.

What does the VODKA do? Do I have to use VODKA?

The vodka helps the tomato paste and cream blend without adding too much of its taste (unlike adding wine to sauces and wanting that extra flavor profile). Gigi left the vodka out because she was expecting it at the time. The vodka was perfectly safe to use if she wanted to. Alcohol is mainly cooked off, leaving only a tiny amount. You can serve it to kids as well.

You don’t want to drink vodka or do not have any? No problem at all. It doesn’t affect the taste of the spicy vodka (even though it is part of the name, confusing, right?). I do not make the rules. You can leave it out or substitute it with some chicken or vegetable stock, which will be a blender between the cream and paste.

MAY I USE MILK AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR HEAVY CREME?

It’s possible, but it won’t thicken the same as a cream-based sauce. If you want to achieve the same texture, I will use half and half.

HOW DO YOU LIGHTEN THE GIGI HADID PASTA

This is a dish that you can treat yourself to. There are a few ways to make this dish healthier or lighter while maintaining the same taste. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and omit butter at the end. The recipe itself is straightforward. But, honestly? You deserve it as-is.

Will I like this dish if I don’t like spicy food?

Gigi Hadid pasta is a spicy vodka dish, which makes it a better choice for people who enjoy spice. The amount of red pepper flakes you add will determine how spicy the word is. (See instructions above). If you prefer, you can omit the red pepper flake altogether. However, the flavor will be very different.

I DO NOT HAVE SHELL PASTA. WHAT CAN I DO?

This spicy vodka sauce is best served with any thick, short noodles. This thick, hearty sauce is perfect for these noodles (in contrast to lighter sauces like white wine, which do not stick as well). Penne is the main ingredient in the classic recipe for penne with vodka. This sauce would be great on any noodle.

CAN I ADD A PROTEIN TO THE DISH?

Definitely! Gigi Hadid pasta is enough to fill you up on its own if it’s vegetarian. Blackened shrimp or chicken is also great. Blackened chicken is an excellent addition to my pasta alla vodka.

SERVING GIGI’S SPICED VODKA PASTA

As this pasta is quite heavy, I would stick with a light salad such as NoMo Kale Caesar Salad, Panzanella Salad Radish Salad With Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, and some garlic bread. As for drinks? It pairs well with Spanish red wines or Pinot Noir.

REHEATING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Gigi Hadid pasta makes excellent leftovers. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pour reheating, add a little cream or milk into a pot to loosen the vodka sauce. You can also reheat using the microwave. I do not recommend freezing leftovers.