Today's recipe is for the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka. I skipped the alcohol but added some Chicken stock instead. This is a quick and easy recipe that is creamy, delicious and incredible more-ish. This is a famous recipe for Gigi Hadid's version of Pasta all Vodka.
Updated - 24/10/22 (After retesting - more Tomato added).
Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka
There are a few viral recipes going around at the moment that I have wanted to make (Need I mention Feta?).
This one stood out the most though because it was an easy fuss free recipe I could make that everyone would enjoy...and I was curious and got a bit of FOMO.
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.
Ingredients and substitutions for Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka
Olive Oil - You can also use any Vegetable or Seed Oil.
Garlic Cloves - Substitute with Garlic Powder/Granules.
Onion - You can use Shallots, Red or White Onions.
Tomato Paste - Use tinned 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 skimmed version.
Stock (Optional) - I add this as a flavour enhancer. It can be left out.
Sugar (Optional) - I add this because a lot of times, tomato can be a little acidic for my taste.
Red Pepper Flakes - A pinch of Cayenne or Paprika would also work.
Pasta - See more info below.
Parmesan - Or Grana Padana if you prefer.
Butter
Basil - Fresh or Dry. You can also use Thyme.
Salt and Pepper
How to make Gigi Hadid Pasta
In this recipe garlic is fried in oil with some onion.
Tomato paste is added and cooked out. (Darker/Caramalised appearance).
Cream is poured in and then Gigi adds Vodka/I add Stock.
Red Pepper/Chilli Flakes. Salt and Pepper are sprinkled on top. A pinch of Sugar is added.
Butter is stirred in.
Boiled Pasta and a portion of the Pasta water is added.
Parmesan is sprinkled over the top and stirred in.
Basil is added on top and more Salt and Pepper if needed.
other pasta varieties you can use for Gigi Hadid Pasta
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.
tips and faq’s for gigi hadid pasta
Onions - You can use diced Shallots, White or Red Onions here.
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.
Use Pasta Water – Pasta Water helps the sauce to emulsify which makes it cling to the pasta better.
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.
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 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.
making gigi hadid pasta in advance
This keeps well in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream, milk or water before reheating on the hob or in the microwave.
storing leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Microwave or on the hob over medium low heat, with a sprinkling of water for a few minutes.
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.
More Pasta Recipes:
Marks and Spencer Copycat Spinach, Pesto and Pine Nut Pasta
What to serve with Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka:
Roast Cauliflower Salad with Zingy dressing
Roast Vegetables with Feta and Pine Nuts
**if you make something from tiffin and tea, i would love to see your creations! don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! we love to hear from you. safira x
Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka
Today's recipe is for the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka. I skipped the alcohol but added some Chicken stock instead. This is a quick and easy recipe that is creamy, delicious and incredible more-ish.
Ingredients
- 450 g Pasta of Choice See notes
- 120 g Olive Oil ½ Cup
- 2 cloves Garlic Sliced Fine
- ½ Onion Diced
- 200 g Plum Tomato Pureed
- 240 g Double Cream 1 Cup
- 2 tbsp Chicken Stock Optional
- Pinch Sugar If needed, Optional
- 2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and Pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 50 g Parmesan Grated
- Basil Leaves to serve
Instructions
-
Boil Pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less then the packet says. Reserve 120 ml or ½ cup Pasta water.
-
Heat Oil in pot over high heat. Once hot, add Garlic and Onions. Cook till lightly golden. 3 - 4 minutes.
-
Add Tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes over medium low heat.
-
Pour in Cream and add Stock if using. Add a pinch of Sugar.
-
Sprinkle in the Red Pepper/Chilli Flakes and Salt and Pepper.
-
Stir in the Butter.
-
Add the Pasta and reserved Pasta Water. Sprinkle over the Parmesan and stir through.
-
Garnish with Basil and add more Salt and Pepper if needed.
Recipe Notes
other pasta varieties you can 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.
tips and faq’s for gigi hadid pasta
Onions - You can use diced Shallots, White or Red Onions here.
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.
Use Pasta Water – Pasta Water helps the sauce to emulsify which makes it cling to the pasta better.
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.
What does the Vodka do in this recipe 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 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
- 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.
making gigi hadid pasta in advance
This keeps well in the fridge for 3 – 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream, milk or water before reheating on the hob or in the microwave.
storing leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Microwave or on the hob over medium low heat, with a sprinkling of water for a few minutes.
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.
Arifa D says
OMG we loved this. I added 50g more tomato because we like it more saucy.