Spicy Gigi hadid pasta without vodka (Viral Recipe)

Spicy Gigi hadid pasta without vodka (Viral Recipe) - There are a few viral recipes going around at the moment that I have wanted to try (Need I mention Tik Tok Pasta?). I was dying to make this one shared by supermodel Gigi Hadid via social media (her instagram story) as soon as I saw it. This is a quick 30 minute recipe that is easy to make and a real crowd pleaser. This rich, creamy, tomato pasta recipe is the most delicious pasta recipe and is likely to become  your new favourite pasta dish. Minus the vodka it is one that the whole family can enjoy too!

Gigi Hadid Viral Spicy Pasta without Vodka

This creamy cheesy tomato Pasta is the most delicious pasta recipe ever. It is made with a base of onions and garlic, then tomato puree which is cooked till it darkens and caramelises. Then cream and seasoning are added before Pasta, Pasta Water and Butter is mixed through.

You can then add Parmesan Cheese and Basil for an extra layer of flavour!

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe also commonly referred to as gigi hadid’s spicy vodka pasta recipe or the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe is made with pretty simple ingredients. You will need the following ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

You can also use any Vegetable, Sunflower, Canola, Avocado, Rapeseed Oil.

Garlic Cloves 

You can use a paste, frozen crushed garlic, Garlic Powder or Granules.

Type of Onion 

You can use Shallots, Red Onion or White Onion. Gigi recommends the first two and that is what I prefer too.

Tomato Paste

Gigi uses Tomato Puree/Paste. You can use any you like, even a Harissa Paste. You can also use tinned pureed plum tomatoes or a tube.

Or use a little Passata or pureed canned Tomatoes. You could use fresh Tomatoes too.

Double Cream

Or Heavy Cream. You can use a lighter version if you like.

Stock (Optional)

I add this as a flavour enhancer. It can be left out.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red Chilli Flakes, or a good pinch of Cayenne or Paprika would also work.

Pasta Shape

Gigi uses Pasta shells called Orecchiette in her recipe.

You can use any Shell Pasta or any white pasta shape that you like and cook according to the pack instructions.

Penne pasta is a good choice. I would not recommend whole wheat pasta.

Sugar

Just a touch, to take the edge of sourness off the tomatoes.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds another layer of flavour. You can use Grana Padana or Pecorino if you prefer.

Butter

Gigi stirs a tablespoon of Butter into the sauce along with reserved pasta water to make the recipe even more creamy.

Fresh Basil Leaves

Fresh is best but you can also use dry or try other herbs such as Fresh Parsley although they won’t add the same flavour.

Salt and Black Pepper

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta

This is a super simple recipe based on a recipe for Penne Alla Vodka or Pasta Alla Vodka and this is how you make it. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot or large saucepan of salted water to a boil.

Add the Pasta and cook it according to the package instructions till al dente, then drain reserving ½ cup of the Pasta Water.

Make the Creamy Tomato based Sauce

Whilst the Pasta cooks, make a start on the creamy sauce.

Add Olive Oil to a pot over medium heat. Once hot, stir in Onions. Cook 2-3 minutes till golden.

Add the Garlic and saute for 30 seconds.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook till it caramelises and it darkens. This will take 3-4 minutes.

Add the double cream, red chilli flakes, sugar, salt and pepper. Then whisk to combine. 

Stir in the reserved pasta water bit by bit (you may not need all of it).

Crumble in the stock cube and stir in the Butter.

Complete the Dish

Add the cooked pasta and cook  over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes till mixed through and ‘saucy’ (Gigi's words!). Now you have the perfect creamy tomato sauce!

Lastly stir in some Parmesan and garnish with Basil leaves.

How to Make Gigi Hadid's Pasta recipe Without Vodka

Gigi adds a tablespoon of Vodka to this recipe. I, like many others make this recipe without Vodka. 

You can replace it with Lemon juice, Lime Juice, Grape Juice or omit altogether. 

The best kind of Pasta to use

There isn’t a wrong choice here but some Pasta shapes work better then others. Gigi used Orecchiette but you can also use Orzo or any other shell pastas such as Conchiglie.

You can use:

Spaghetti or Linguine: This works very well! 

Farfalle, Fusilli, Rigatoni : These all work well and they hold more of that creamy sauce because of their shape. 

Ravioli or Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese, meat, or veggies work well with creamy sauces.

Helpful Tips 

Boil the Pasta less then the pack suggests

I like to boil the pasta for 2 – 3 mins less then the pack suggests as it will continue to cook in the sauce.

Grate Cheese 

Always grate your own Cheese where possible.

Pre grated Cheeses usually have a coating on them which stops them from clumping together in the bag but it also stops them from melting as smoothly.

In this recipe, the cheese is one of the most important elements, so I wouldn’t recommend store brought grated cheese.

Cheese 

Use your favourite Cheese.

I love to use a combination of cheeses in most pasta dishes but in this one I feel like the nuttiness ad flavour profile of Parmesan is enough.

FAQS

What is in Gigi Hadid Pasta?

Plenty of Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Tomato Paste, Double or Heavy Cream, Pasta, Parmesan, Butter, Basil and Salt and Pepper or the main ingredients in this recipe.

What is special about Gigi Hadid Pasta?

I think what makes it so special is just how creamy and comforting it is. There is a reason that this recipe went viral!

The recipe itself is based on Pasta Alla Vodka. 

Is the Gigi Hadid Pasta Healthy?

No, this is a truly indulgent recipe with plenty of oil, cream and butter. To make it healthier, you would need to reduce the quantities of these and skip the Parmesan.

What does Gigi Hadid Pasta taste like?

It tastes delicious! It is creamy, luxurious and the flavour has a slightly spicy tomato flavour. 

Can I use regular milk instead of cream for Gigi Hadid Pasta?

Cream makes this recipe what it is. Cream emulsified with the Oil and Butter makes this Pasta taste sumptuous.

If you would prefer to use Milk (Almond, Oat, Coconut or any Plant based Milk) to make it healthier, I would suggest either simmering for longer or creating a roux with it first. 

You could also add Coconut Cream which has a thicker consistency then Milk.

Can you add chicken to Gigi Hadid pasta?

Yes absolutely.

Add chopped chicken breast after the tomato has cooked for 5 minutes and then cook  covered on low till the chicken is almost cooked - 10 - 15 minutes depending on the size/thickness of the chicken breast.

Then continue with the recipe as normal.

What does the Vodka do in Gigi Hadid Pasta and can it be replicated?

According to Bart Saracino, a restaurant owner who serves a similar recipe, the purpose of using Vodka in Pasta recipes is to enhance and concentrate the flavours that are already in the Pasta whilst reducing the acidity in the tomatoes.

So how do we achieve the same results without Vodka?

In terms of enhancing the flavours in the pasta, I added some chicken stock and to reduce acidity in the tomatoes, I add a touch of sugar.

I am unsure if the same results are achieved having never tasted a Vodka Pasta recipe but I am hopeful that it is at least very similar. 

variations for Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka

Pasta Shapes 

You can use any shape Pasta that you like – See options above. 

Bake it

Layer the Pasta and Cheese into a dish and bake with more cheese on top. You can also add some breadcrumbs with the cheese.

Add Protein 

Stir in your favourite cooked protein at the end, such as Chicken, Ground Lamb, Prawns.

Veggies 

Add Mushrooms, Sweetcorn, Broccoli or Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Chard or Kale.

Seeds and Nuts 

Feel free to stir in toasted seeds/nuts.

Seasonings 

Add spices or seasonings of your choice.

Sauces 

Stir in some Hot Sauce or Chilli Oil at the end.

Lemon 

Add the zest of a Lemon.

How to Store & Reheat?

Storage

Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

Reheat

You can either microwave the Pasta or reheat on the stove with a splash of milk, water, stock or cream till warmed through.

To freeze 

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or stove top.

How to serve Gigi Hadid Pasta

This Pasta is fantastic served on it’s own but if you fancy sides, I would suggest:

 A crunchy green salad with a tingly lemon dressing.

Garlic Bread - Always a winner with Pasta.

More Pasta Recipes you might like:

Easy, Creamy & Spicy Harissa Pasta

Gigli pasta with Chickpeas

Butter Chicken Pasta

Masala Pasta with Chicken and Cheese

If you try this Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe or any other recipe on Tiffin and Tea, please take a minute to give a star rating and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe! Thankyou. x