Description
This viral spicy vodka pasta, made famous by Gigi Hadid, is a quick and creamy comfort dish that brings together tomato paste, cream, garlic, and chili flakes for a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s adaptable, beginner-friendly, and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, chopped (or 2 teaspoons garlic paste)
- ½ large onion, finely chopped (white, red, or shallot)
- ½ cup tomato paste (about 120ml or 150g)
- 2 tablespoons vodka (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (double cream)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
- ½ cup grated parmesan (60g)
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion and cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on low heat to reduce acidity and caramelize the flavor.
- Add Vodka and Cream: Pour in the vodka (if using) and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and creamy.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter until melted, then add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce is evenly coating the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Add grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra parmesan and basil on top if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality pasta with ridges to help the sauce cling better.
- Start with a small amount of chili flakes if you’re unsure of the spice level.
- If substituting cream, coconut cream works best for consistency.
- To make it vegetarian or dairy-free, use vegan butter and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 918
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 564mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 95g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg