Introduction
Gigi Hadid’s Pasta is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish that has become a sensation on social media. Known for its indulgent flavor and easy preparation, it features a luscious vodka sauce with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes, and it’s loaded with comfort. Moribyan’s take on the dish made it even more popular, inspiring many home cooks to try it for themselves.
The History of the Dish
The dish gained its fame when Gigi Hadid shared the recipe on her Instagram during the pandemic. It quickly went viral, and soon after, food bloggers and influencers like Moribyan made their own versions, enhancing its appeal and spreading the recipe to millions. What makes the dish so irresistible is its creamy vodka sauce base combined with the touch of spice, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta:
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small shallot (or half an onion), finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka (optional, but adds depth to the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (penne is traditional, but you can use any pasta you like)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for the pasta water
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This will help thicken the sauce later.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallot (or onion) and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring it in to combine. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste darkens a bit, which intensifies the flavor.
- Pour in the vodka (if using) and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, extra red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Gigi Hadid Pasta:
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne is the traditional pasta used in this dish, feel free to experiment with other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli, which hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want the dish. For a milder version, use just a pinch or leave them out entirely.
- Vodka Substitution: If you don’t have vodka or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth or simply omit it, though vodka adds a unique flavor to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Cream: Make sure to use heavy cream to achieve the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish stand out. Light cream or milk will yield a thinner sauce.
- Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water! The starch in the water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a smoother texture.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter and heavy cream with plant-based butter and coconut cream or oat milk. You can also substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Protein Add-ins: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon. Just toss the cooked protein into the pasta along with the sauce.
- Herbs and Toppings: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the creaminess. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it a more veggie-packed dish.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
While Gigi Hadid Pasta is undeniably delicious, it’s a rich and indulgent dish. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values (for 1 serving, assuming 4 servings total):
- Calories: 600-700 calories per serving
- Fat: 30-40 grams (depending on the amount of cream and butter used)
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
To make it healthier:
- Opt for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Use less heavy cream or substitute with lighter cream or milk alternatives.
- Add more veggies to the sauce for added fiber and nutrients.
FAQ:
1. Can I make Gigi Hadid Pasta without vodka?
Yes, you can simply omit the vodka if you prefer. The vodka adds depth to the sauce, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is the most traditional choice, feel free to use spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. However, the texture may change slightly when reheated, especially if using cream-based ingredients.
5. Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild spice level due to the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the spice to your liking by adding more or less.
Hadid’s Creamy Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rigatoni pasta or penne
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely minced
- 2/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan more to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- pasta water
- optional garnishes: finely chopped parsley and red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.
- In a saucepan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. The tomato paste will darken in color from a bright red to reddish brown. This process removes acidity from the tomato paste.
- Add heavy cream and mix until incorporated. Simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix again.
- Add the grated parmesan, butter, and 1/2 a cup pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you think it needs more pasta water, you can add but 1/2 a cup is perfect for me.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat evenly. Optional, top it off with more grated parm, chopped parsley, and chili flakes.