15-Min Easy Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe – Vodka or No Vodka

Follow This Step-by-Step Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

Want to try the pasta everyone’s talking about? That creamy, spicy tomato sauce that went viral? It’s known online as the Bella Hadid pasta, but it’s actually Gigi’s recipe that started it all – Gigi Hadid vodka pasta. This version of the viral dish is rich, balanced, and easy to make. No fancy ingredients needed. Just follow the step-by-step tips and you’ll get it right the first time.

How to make Gigi Hadid’s pasta?

We want the pasta and sauce ready at the same time. The whole recipe takes about 15 minutes, so follow along if you want to make it fast – just like we did. You’ll need to cook the pasta and the sauce side by side.

Do the prep – dice the onion and garlic very finely. That’s how you want to do it for Gigi vodka pasta. The sauce has vodka, tomato, cream, and cheese, so every flavor needs to be in balance. You don’t want garlic or onion to overpower the rest.

Grate Parmesan on a fine grater. Do not use pre-grated cheese.

Get everything ready so you can cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it well.

While the water heats up, start the sauce. Heat your pan over medium heat. If your stove has numbered settings, use level 5 out of 9. Add olive oil and let’s keep going.

Add the chopped shallot to the pan. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it turns soft and translucent.

Now add the garlic. Cook it for 1 minute, just until you smell that amazing garlic aroma. That’s your sign – it’s time to move on. 

By now, your water should be boiling. Go ahead and boil the pasta, but cook it 2 minutes less than the package says. That’s super important. In the original Gigi Hadid vodka pasta recipe, the pasta is cooked al dente. But here, you want to undercook it slightly. Why? Because it finishes cooking in the sauce. That way, your pasta stays al dente – tender, not too soft or mushy. If it’s already soft when you add it to the sauce, it can break apart.

About 1 minute before the pasta is done, reserve the pasta water. You’ll need it for the sauce. In this Gigi Hadid vodka sauce recipe, pasta water is so important. It brings the sauce together and helps it stick to the pasta. If you skip it, the sauce won’t have the right texture.

Back to the pan – add your chili flakes and stir right away. The hot oil infuses the flakes and opens up the flavor of the spices. Don’t wait too long – stir fast so they don’t burn. This is the base for your spicy vodka pasta sauce. In the original Gigi Hadid’s pasta, she adds chili flakes later with the cream. But we like to add them earlier. This way, the chili flakes hit the hot oil first and release more flavor into the sauce.

Next, add the tomato paste. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes and keep stirring the whole time. Look – it’s starting to darken a little. That’s exactly what you want. It means the flavor is getting deeper and richer.

Time for the vodka – pour it in and stir right away. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring the whole time. This step is key in the Gigi Hadid vodka sauce recipe. It cooks off the alcohol, so you don’t get that strong vodka taste. Instead, it gives you a deep, rich flavor that brings the whole sauce together.

Turn the heat down to low. If your stove has numbered settings, use level 3 out of 9. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir the whole time while you pour, until the cream blends in completely. Don’t let it boil hard after adding the cream, or the sauce can curdle or split. This isn’t just important for Gigi Hadid’s pasta sauce – it matters for any sauce that combines tomato and cream.

To keep it smooth and creamy, add the cream slowly and keep the heat low so it blends well with the tomato. Go slow, stir well, and keep it gentle. If it starts bubbling too much, take the pan off the heat and stir until it calms down. You’ll see the sauce come together – smooth, creamy, and just a little spicy. It’s your own spicy alla vodka sauce, done right.

Drain your pasta – but don’t rinse it. Add the cooked penne straight into the sauce.

Pour in that starchy pasta water too. We’ll leave the exact amount we used in the recipe card. Don’t skip this step. That pasta water is key – it helps the tomato paste and cream come together into one smooth sauce. Plain water won’t do the trick, so make sure it’s pasta water.

Now start adding the Parmesan, a little at a time. Do it in 2-3 steps: add one-third, stir until smooth. Add another third, stir again. Then finish with the rest. Look – as the cheese melts, the sauce turns silky and creamy.

Add salt and pepper now. In the original Gigi Hadid pasta vodka, she adds salt when she adds the cream, but this way works better. Parmesan is salty, and your pasta is cooked in salted water, too. So it’s smart to wait and season after both are in. Taste the sauce first – you might not even need extra salt.

Now, pour in a bit more pasta water and mix. You want that sauce to coat the pasta nicely – creamy, not too thick, not too runny.

Finish with a small piece of butter. Let it melt right into the sauce. It adds a rich, creamy finish. In Gigi Hadid’s pasta vodka recipe, she adds butter before the Parmesan. But it’s better to wait. Add the cheese first so it melts smoothly.

Here’s a little pro tip: finish the sauce with butter to make it extra silky and give it that glossy look, just like at a restaurant.

That’s it! Your creamy Gigi Hadid penne alla vodka is ready to serve – and it’s absolutely delicious. The Gigi Hadid recipe takes around 15 minutes from start to finish. If you follow all the steps, you’ll end up with pasta that tastes like a total win!

Ingredients and Mistakes to Avoid

o, if you’re craving the vodka pasta Gigi Hadid made famous, you’re in the right place. First, check the ingredients and equipment you need. Then review the common mistakes to avoid.

Equipment

To make this dish, you just need a few basic tools:

• Pot – for boiling the pasta
• Pan – to cook the sauce
• Grater – to grate the cheese fresh

Ingredients

For exact measurements, check the recipe card.

• Penne or any pasta you love
• Olive oil
• Shallot – Take one shallot and chop it really finely. Don’t have a shallot? No problem – you can use a regular onion instead. It works great in a rich tomato vodka sauce. Just be sure to chop it very small. That’s key for Gigi Hadid vodka sauce. That’s how the sauce turns out creamy, without onion bits in every bite.
• Garlic clove – You can use minced garlic, grated, or finely diced – whatever works best for you. They all give great flavor.
• Tomato paste  – What makes this pasta so good is the balance of tomato and cream. For a quick Gigi Hadid pasta recipe, tomato paste is the easiest choice. It blends right into the cream and gives you that rich, velvety texture. No blender needed.
• Splash of vodka – make sure it’s plain, unflavored vodka with no additives. It helps bring the cream and tomato together. That gentle warmth in Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta? That comes from the vodka. It adds a light sharpness, not heat, and you only need a splash. Vodka helps the cream mix smoothly with the tomato paste. It’s not just for flavor – it’s what brings the sauce together. In this spicy vodka sauce recipe, vodka and pasta water are the secret to a silky, well-balanced sauce. Want to know which vodka for cooking works best? Check the tips below. Looking for vodka pasta without vodka? There’s an easy alcohol-free version – find it here.

• Heavy cream – Use one with at least 30% fat. It’s the best heavy cream for pasta because it holds up when heated. Avoid low-fat cream – it can split, especially in a creamy red sauce like this one with tomato paste. Full-fat cream is key to that silky sauce—you can’t skip it in this spicy vodka pasta recipe. It balances the heat and brings everything together. Just pour it in, stir, and finish with cheese for that rich, creamy texture. If you love easy creamy sauces with heavy cream, try our 6-minute cream sauce for pasta or our creamy pesto pasta made with jarred or homemade pesto.
• Grated Parmesan – Use a fine grater. If the cheese is too coarse, it won’t melt well, and you’ll get little bits in your sauce. Buy a block and grate it yourself. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. It has stuff added so it doesn’t clump – but because of that, it won’t melt the way you need. For a super creamy version of Gigi Hadid’s penne vodka, add the cheese in 2–3 steps. Let it melt completely before you add more. That’s the secret to a smooth sauce in this spicy creamy pasta.
• Spices – chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. They give your spicy penne alla vodka that gentle spicy kick. If you don’t like too much heat, start with just ½ teaspoon of chili flakes. Don’t forget the cream in this vodka pasta recipe. It balances the spices and makes the sauce smooth and rich without too much heat.
• Butter – Don’t skip it! It adds a rich finish to the sauce.

See? Gigi Hadid’s pasta ingredients are simple and easy to find. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Common Mistakes, and What to Do Instead

Want to make Gigi Hadid pasta at home – and get that restaurant-quality taste? It’s easy with a few simple tips. Learn what mistakes to avoid and what to do instead. You’ll get rich, creamy pasta every time.

How to keep vodka sauce from separating?

To keep your homemade spicy vodka sauce from separating, add the cream slowly and stir the whole time. Don’t let it boil too hard after adding the heavy cream. Lower the heat and keep it gentle. Always use heavy cream with at least 30% fat – it holds up better in hot sauces.

In the Gigi or Bella Hadid pasta recipe (whichever name you’ve seen it under), the key is getting the tomato and cream to mix smoothly. To help them come together, add a splash of pasta water. The best time to save it? Right before you drain the pasta. Don’t skip this step—it helps the sauce stay smooth and not split.

How do you get the vodka taste out of the sauce?

To get that bold Gigi Hadid spicy pasta sauce flavor without a harsh vodka taste, let it simmer long enough after you add the vodka. Stir the whole time. The alcohol will cook off, and you’ll get a rich, deep flavor. Don’t add too much vodka – just a splash is enough!

How long to cook off vodka in the sauce?

For a spicy alla vodka sauce, simmer it for 3-4 minutes after you add the vodka. That’s just enough time to cook off the alcohol and bring out the flavor.

What is the best vodka for cooking?

The best vodka for vodka sauce is plain, unflavored vodka. You don’t need anything fancy – just a clean, neutral vodka with no added flavors or extras. Check the label. It should only list alcohol and water. The best vodka to cook with usually says “no additives” on the bottle. That’s exactly what you want for the best version of Gigi Hadid sauce.

Cooking with vodka gives the sauce a rich, deep flavor. Just let it simmer long enough so the alcohol cooks off. You’ll keep the flavor but lose that sharp vodka taste. The result? A bold, spicy, creamy tomato sauce.

How to make the sauce that sticks to pasta?

One thing that makes Gigi Hadid’s vodka pasta so popular is how perfectly the sauce clings to the pasta. You can even see it inside the tubes, especially if you’re making spicy penne vodka. Want that same effect? Use pasta water.

You need pasta water to make the sauce creamy and smooth. Why is it so important? It helps emulsify the sauce. That means it blends ingredients like butter, oil, or cream into one silky mixture. In this Gigi Hadid penne vodka recipe, pasta water helps bring the vodka, tomato sauce, and heavy cream together into that signature rich texture.

Want your sauce to turn out smooth and creamy? Don’t skip the pasta water. It’s essential in most pasta dishes, not just this one. The starchy water you get from boiling pasta thickens the sauce and helps it coat every bite. Not sure how much to use to get it just right for Gigi Hadid pasta? Check the recipe card below for the exact amount.

How to thicken the sauce?

Let the sauce simmer a little longer before you add the pasta. Don’t wait until the pasta is in – if you simmer too long with pasta in the pan, it can turn soft or mushy. In the vodka pasta recipe Gigi made famous, you already have a lot of liquid – vodka, heavy cream, and pasta water. So if the sauce looks too thin, hold off on adding all the pasta water at once. Add just a little, and save the rest for the final step.

Want the sauce even thicker? Add more cheese and stir it in over low heat. It will melt right in and make the sauce richer and creamier.

How to thin out vodka sauce?

Just add a splash of pasta water. Don’t add too much – you don’t want the sauce too runny. Once you add the pasta, it soaks up some of the sauce, so it’s better to keep it slightly thinner before the pasta goes in.

In the original penne alla vodka recipe Gigi Hadid shared (sometimes also called the Bella Hadid vodka pasta version by mistake), the sauce gets thicker after she adds the cheese. That’s why it helps to add more pasta water after you stir in the cheese.

Want to know the exact amount of pasta water for that creamy texture? Check the recipe card below.

How do you cook Gigi pasta so it stays al dente?

If you want that perfect bite in your spicy pasta alla vodka, don’t cook the pasta all the way before adding it to the sauce. Boil it for about 2 minutes less than the package says. Then let it finish cooking right in the sauce. It soaks up the flavor and stays al dente – tender but firm, never mushy.

How to get the right balance in the sauce?

Looking for a pasta recipe spicy and creamy? Sweet with a tangy kick? That’s exactly what Hadid vodka pasta is known for. If you want some extra heat, you can add red chili flakes or a bit of ground black pepper. Both give the sauce a gentle kick without overpowering it.

If your sauce tastes too acidic, toss in a pinch of sugar. It softens the sour notes and rounds out the flavor. Don’t forget the pasta water and vodka – they help the cream blend smoothly into the sauce.

What pasta to choose?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni are perfect for creamy tomato sauces. Their ridges and hollow centers catch the sauce in every bite. Exactly what you want for a creamy, spicy pasta! No wonder spicy vodka penne has become a go-to classic.

In the original Gigi pasta recipe, she used pasta shells. Medium shells work best because they’re the perfect size to catch the sauce. Their curved shape holds all that creamy goodness, so every bite is full of flavor.

No matter what you choose, go for high-quality pasta. It really makes a difference. If you’re making a lighter sauce – like garlic, butter, or lemon – choose long, smooth pasta like spaghetti or tagliatelle. These shapes work best with those glossy, delicate sauces.

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta Without Vodka

Want to try penne alla vodka without vodka? It’s super easy – and still tastes amazing. If you’re looking for a simple swap, here are a few great options to make Gigi Hadid’s pasta no vodka:

• Lemon juice – Mix lemon juice and water in a 1:1 ratio. Then use the same amount as you would vodka. It helps balance the cream and tomato.
• Apple cider vinegar – Also, mix 1:1 with water. And use the same amount as a vodka substitute. It gives a slight tang and doesn’t overpower the sauce.
• Vegetable broth – Add the same amount as the vodka in the original recipe. It brings depth and keeps the sauce smooth.

These easy swaps let you enjoy the classic flavor of Gigi Hadid’s pasta without vodka, perfect for anyone skipping alcohol.

Storage and Adaptations

So you made a big batch of the spicy vodka pasta Gigi Hadid made famous. And of course, you want to enjoy it the next day – or maybe even the day after that. But to keep it tasty, you need to store it the right way.  Of course, fresh is always best, especially with pasta. This quick version of the Gigi Hadid spicy pasta recipe takes just 15 minutes, so if you can, cook and eat it fresh.

Still, if you’re short on time or have extra, don’t worry. Here’s how to store this viral vodka pasta so the sauce stays creamy and the flavor stays just as rich. Then check the tips to adapt the recipe. Add extra flavor or simple tweaks to fit your diet.

How to Store

Store this pasta in an airtight container. Want the best taste after storage? Keep the sauce in the fridge and mix it with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. When you make the sauce, mix only the amount you’ll eat and store the rest in the fridge. Later, cook fresh pasta, mix it with the sauce, and serve. You save time – no need to cook the sauce again – and it still tastes almost freshly made. You’ll get that same rich, cozy feel of the penne alla vodka Gigi Hadid shared online.

How long does vodka sauce last in the fridge?

You can store both spicy vodka sauce and pasta with sauce for up to 4 days in the fridge. Just put it in an airtight container, keep it chilled, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

How to Freeze

Looking for the best way to prep Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta recipe ahead of time? Freeze the red sauce before adding the heavy cream and cheese.

Just cook the sauce up to that step, then freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, defrost, reheat, and stir in the cream, cheese, butter – and pasta water from freshly cooked pasta.

Frozen this way, the sauce keeps for up to 3 months. You’ll only need a few minutes to finish it and enjoy that rich vodka sauce Gigi Hadid shared on Instagram.

Unfortunately, you can’t really freeze pasta with vodka sauce. It has heavy cream and cheese, so when you defrost it, the texture can break or curdle.

How to Reheat

You can warm up Gigi Hadid’s pasta alla vodka on the stove or in the microwave – it stays creamy either way.

On the stove

Add a splash of water, pasta water, or milk before you reheat – about 20 g (1 tbsp) per serving. Reheat the pasta on low heat in a wide pan. Stir often so the sauce warms evenly and doesn’t dry out.

In the microwave

Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add about 20 g (1 tbsp) of pasta water, milk, or water. Microwave for 1–2 minutes at full power. Stir once or twice while it heats to keep the texture smooth.

Add More Flavor & Fit It Into Your Diet

One of the best things about this spicy penne vodka recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can boost the flavor or tweak it to fit your diet – whatever works for you.

How to Add More Flavor

Let’s first take a look at some simple ways to add more flavor.

Make It More Cheesy

Love cheese? To make this version of Gigi Hadid’s vodka pasta extra cheesy, just add more while you cook the sauce. But go slow. Add a little at a time, stir, let it melt – then add more. Don’t toss it all in at once.

The vodka sauce Gigi Hadid shared online can curdle easily – that’s one of the most common problems. That can happen if you add too much cheese too fast. 

Want an easy way to add more cheese? Grab some Parmesan cheese, grate it, and sprinkle it on top before serving.

Make It Extra Spicy

Want spicy vodka pasta? Add more chili flakes while you cook the sauce.

Not spicy enough when it’s done? Just sprinkle extra on top – chili flakes, crushed red pepper, or whatever you’ve got at home.

Want a herby-spicy kick? Add some sliced green onions too. And yes, the spicy vodka sauce already has a little warmth from the vodka itself.

Add Herbs

What goes better with this pasta than fresh basil? Add a few leaves on top right before serving. If you love rosemary, feel free to sprinkle some on top when serving, too.

Other fresh herbs that work great in this Gigi Hadid pasta recipe? Try thyme, oregano, or fresh parsley. 

How to Fit It Into Your Diet

Want to make your version of Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta more filling or fit your diet? Here are a few quick and easy ideas.

Add Protein

Make your pasta more filling with extra protein. There are lots of vegetarian or vegan options. Try smoked tofu – cube it, fry it, and sprinkle on top. Or go for vegan bacon. Slice it, crisp it up, and add it for more plant-based protein. You can also use veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or asparagus. They all go great with Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you follow a plant-based diet, it’s easy to adapt this spicy vodka pasta. The base is already plant-based – just swap the cream and cheese. Use plant-based cream made for cooking, and pick a vegan cheese that melts well. That way, you still get the creamy texture without curdling. You’ll keep all the flavor of the original Gigi Hadid viral pasta – without the dairy.

Gluten-Free

Need a gluten-free option? It only takes one small change to enjoy the vodka sauce pasta Gigi Hadid loves so much. Just swap regular pasta for a gluten-free version made from buckwheat, corn, or chickpea flour. These hold up well and pair perfectly with the creamy vodka sauce.

Check the cooking time on the package and take it off the heat about 2 minutes early to keep the pasta al dente. The Gigi Hadid spicy vodka sauce is known for its rich creaminess and takes a few minutes to coat the pasta. That’s why it’s best to add the pasta while it’s still slightly undercooked.

What to Serve With + More Pasta Recipes

Now you know how to make the best spicy vodka sauce recipe. But what goes well with it? What should you serve with penne alla vodka? Try these simple and tasty sides:

• Garlic bread – make just 1–2 servings in minutes with our easy recipe.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs or pangrattato – two easy topping ideas: one made from plain breadcrumbs, the other from stale bread.
• Simple green salad – choose your favorite greens, drizzle with olive oil, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Want More Pasta Recipes?

If you love creamy recipes that are quick and easy, try one of these:

• Creamy tomato pasta – similar to the pasta Gigi Hadid shared; rich and creamy, and no vodka needed.
• Alfredo lasagna – a creamy lasagna made without ricotta, using a rich Alfredo sauce.
• Sweet potato pasta – a creamy sauce made with sweet potato and feta.
• Pasta with ricotta and spinach – creamy, simple, and made with ricotta and frozen spinach.
• Burrata pasta – burst tomatoes, creamy burrata, ready in minutes.

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