Gigi Hadid Pasta (Creamy Spicy Tomato Pasta)
Creamy, spicy, and a little bougie, this Gigi Hadid pasta recipe wraps rigatoni, tomato paste, cream, olive oil, garlic, onion, butter, and Parmesan into a cozy, luxurious hug of a dish. Perfect for weeknights or dinner dates, it’s ultra-comforting, rich, and just as good as the hype. Top with fresh basil for maximum main character energy.
2
people
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) rigatoni or penne pasta or other short pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup (60 g) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vodka optional, see notes for substitution
- 1/2 cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
- fresh basil for garnish (or 1 tsp dried basil)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Instructions
- Cook your pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it darkens and smells sweet (1–2 minutes).
- Add cream and simmer: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and pink. Let bubble gently for 1 minute.
- Bring on the flavor: Add butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until butter melts. Pour in vodka (if using), and let simmer for 1–2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates.
- Combine and finish: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce needs loosening, add some reserved pasta water a splash at a time until silky and glossy.
- Top and serve: Dish up, piling onto plates. Finish with lots of Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
Vodka: Adds subtle depth but can be omitted or swapped for a splash of lemon juice or broth.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or oat cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.
Add-ins: Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or wilted spinach work great.
To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen while reheating.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or oat cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.
Add-ins: Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or wilted spinach work great.
To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen while reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 3mg