Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (Creamy and Spicy)

One bite of Gigi Hadid’s pasta explains why the recipe became an online favorite.

It combines a rich tomato cream sauce, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and tender pasta in a dish that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight.

This guide covers the full recipe, tips for making a smooth sauce, easy ingredient swaps, and common questions about preparing it at home.

All About Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

The pasta is a creamy, spicy vodka pasta that the model shared as her own recipe years ago. It quickly became a viral favorite once people started making and sharing it online.

Home cooks loved how a simple pasta dish felt fresh, bold, and worth talking about. Videos of people making the recipe spread fast on social media, and soon everyone wanted to try it for themselves.

What sets this pasta apart is its creamy tomato sauce, bold red pepper flakes, and mild sweetness from shallots, which give the sauce a softer flavor than regular onions.

These small changes give it a personality of its own, making it feel more exciting than the traditional version.

Ingredients You Need for Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

This pasta uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Each one plays a small part in building that creamy, spicy sauce everyone loves.

How to Make Gigi Hadid’s Pasta: Step by Step

Making Gigi Hadid’s Pasta is simple and takes about 30 minutes. Follow these steps to prepare the creamy, spicy sauce and coat every pasta shell evenly.

Step 1: Soften the Shallot and Garlic

Source- Odysssey

Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add one diced small garlic clove and ¼ of a chopped shallot.

Stir often and cook until both become soft and lightly golden. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can make the sauce taste bitter.

Step 2: Cook the Tomato Paste

Source- Odysssey

Add ¼ cup of tomato paste to the softened shallot and garlic. Stir it into the oil and cook for two to three minutes, until it turns darker and smells richer.

Keep stirring so the paste does not stick or burn. Cooking it briefly removes the raw tomato taste and gives the sauce a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Add Vodka, Cream, and Pepper Flakes

Source- Odysssey

Pour in one tablespoon of vodka, if using, and stir for one to two minutes so most of the liquid cooks away. Lower the heat, then add ½ cup of heavy cream and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth, orange, and slightly thick.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Source- Odysssey

Boil about half a pound of shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Before draining, save ¼ cup of pasta water.

The water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the shells. Drain the pasta without rinsing it.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Water, and Butter

Source- Odysssey

Add the cooked pasta and one tablespoon of butter to the saucepan. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring over medium-low heat.

Stop adding water once the sauce looks smooth and coats every shell. You may not need the full ¼ cup.

Step 6: Finish With Parmesan

Source- Odysssey

Sprinkle in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Taste the pasta, then add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Serve it right away while the sauce is creamy, warm, and glossy.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

You can adjust this recipe with simple ingredients while keeping the sauce creamy and flavorful.

• No vodka: Leave it out and add one tablespoon of pasta water.
• No heavy cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• No shallot: Replace it with finely chopped red onion.
• No shell pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or another short pasta.
• Less spice: Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
• Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked sausage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not burn the garlic or tomato paste, since either can make the sauce bitter. Lower the heat before adding the cream, and stir it in slowly to keep the sauce smooth.

Save pasta water before draining because its starch helps the sauce cling to the shells. Cook the pasta only until al dente so it does not become too soft in the sauce.

Add Parmesan over low heat to prevent clumps, and pour in pasta water gradually so the sauce does not become thin.

What to Serve With Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

Pair this creamy pasta with a fresh side, bread, or a simple protein.

• Garlic bread: Soaks up the extra sauce.
• Caesar salad: Adds a crisp, fresh contrast.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, and asparagus work well.
• Grilled chicken: Makes the meal more filling.
• Sautéed shrimp: Complements the creamy tomato sauce.

The Bottom Line

Gigi Hadid’s Pasta is proof that simple food can still feel special. It takes basic pantry items and turns them into a creamy, spicy dish that tastes like something from a restaurant.

The recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and easy to adjust based on what you have at home. Whether you skip the vodka or add extra spice, the result stays comforting and flavorful.

It works well for a cozy night in or a dish you want to share with friends. Serve it fresh for the best creamy texture and bold tomato flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gigi Hadid’s Pasta contain Vodka?

The recipe includes a small amount of vodka, but it is optional. You can leave it out without changing the creamy texture of the sauce.

Can I Make Gigi Hadid’s Pasta without Heavy Cream?

Yes. Half-and-half is the best substitute, while whole milk creates a thinner and less rich sauce.

Is Gigi Hadid’s Pasta spicy?

It is mildly spicy when made with red pepper flakes. Use less for gentle heat or add more for a stronger kick.

Which Pasta Shape Works Best for Gigi Hadid’s Pasta?

Small shells work great because they hold the sauce well. Rigatoni or penne are good options too.