Craving a dish that’s gone viral for all the right reasons? This Gigi Hadid Pasta—a spicy, creamy rigatoni recipe minus the vodka—took TikTok by storm, and it’s easy to see why! With its rich tomato-cream sauce, punchy red pepper flakes, and heaps of Parmesan, this Gigi Hadid Pasta is a quick, delicious meal that feels indulgent yet simple. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this famous recipe and make it your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Gigi Hadid Pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of creamy and spicy, with a sauce that clings to every rigatoni tube like a dream. It’s incredibly easy—using pantry staples, you’ll have it on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. The absence of vodka (unlike traditional penne alla vodka) keeps it approachable, while the tomato paste cooked down in olive oil adds a deep, robust taste. It’s versatile too—pair it with chicken, salad, or garlic bread for a full meal. This Gigi Hadid Pasta is comfort food with a modern twist that everyone will rave about.
Tools Needed
To whip up this sensational Gigi Hadid Pasta, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Missing anything? Check out Our Shop for quality tools to make cooking a breeze!
- Saucepan: For crafting that creamy sauce (Serious Eats guide to top saucepans).
- Large pot: To cook rigatoni to perfection.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Grater: For fresh Parmesan—key to the creaminess.
- Colander: To drain pasta while reserving water.
These tools make preparing Gigi Hadid Pasta a smooth, stress-free experience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Gigi Hadid Pasta (serves 4):
- ½ cup olive oil (try sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- ⅔ cup tomato paste (2-3 cups in video is likely a typo—⅔ cup is standard)
- 1⅓ cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (use as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create the signature creamy-spicy magic of Gigi Hadid Pasta.
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Gigi Hadid Pasta:
- Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water per package directions (about 13 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain—don’t rinse or add oil.
- Start the Sauce: Heat ½ cup olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Stir in ⅔ cup tomato paste. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until it deepens to a rich red-brown color—this cuts the acidity.
- Make It Creamy: Pour in 1⅓ cups heavy cream. Whisk well until smooth and creamy, keeping the heat medium.
- Season: Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste as you go—Parmesan adds saltiness later.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan and 2 tbsp butter until melted and silky.
- Combine: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If thick, add a splash (½ ladle) of reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Plate and garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta
Want your Gigi Hadid Pasta to shine? Keep these tips in mind:
- Cook tomato paste thoroughly: It mellows the sharpness and deepens flavor.
- Don’t rinse pasta: Starch helps sauce cling—oil prevents this.
- Adjust spice: Start with 1 tsp red pepper flakes and add more if you love heat.
- Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly—grate your own.
- Taste before salting: Pasta water and cheese add salt—go light at first.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This quick timing makes Gigi Hadid Pasta ideal for any night of the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this has pitfalls to dodge:
- Skipping the tomato paste cook: Raw paste tastes harsh—give it time.
- Over-salting: Between Parmesan and pasta water, salt builds up fast.
- Adding oil to pasta: It repels sauce—skip it post-drain.
- Overcooking pasta: Aim for al dente—it finishes in the sauce.
Variations
Make this Gigi Hadid Pasta your own with these twists:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
- Veggie Twist: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Spice Swap: Use cayenne instead of red pepper flakes.
- Herb Freshness: Swap dried basil for fresh basil leaves.
- Cheese Change: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water—about 5 minutes over low heat.
- Freezing: Not ideal—cream sauce may separate, but it’s doable for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of Gigi Hadid Pasta lies in its balance and simplicity. Cooking tomato paste in olive oil unlocks a deep, sweet flavor, while heavy cream and butter create that luxurious texture TikTok can’t stop raving about. Red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to keep it interesting, and Parmesan ties it all together with salty richness. Skipping the vodka from traditional vodka sauce keeps it accessible without losing depth—perfect for home cooks. It’s a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, making it a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Gigi Hadid Pasta hot in wide bowls to showcase that creamy sauce. Pair it with garlic bread—crusty and buttery—to mop up every drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing the meal. For protein lovers, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp on the side elevate it to dinner-party status. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy-spicy notes beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to whatever you’re craving!
Conclusion
This Gigi Hadid Pasta is a creamy, spicy masterpiece that proves you don’t need hours—or vodka—to make an unforgettable meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and grab kitchen essentials at Our Shop for more viral recipe inspo. Let me know in the comments how it turns out—or what you want to see next. Full measurements are below—happy cooking!
