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.