Description
Spicy Vodka Pasta, often called Gigi Hadid Pasta, is a creamy tomato vodka sauce with a spicy kick. It is a comforting and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes, until it darkens slightly.
- Pour in the vodka and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol smell dissipates.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a richer sauce, use a high-quality tomato paste.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the vodka or substitute with vegetable broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg