If there’s a pasta dish that has taken social media by storm with all the flavor, sass, and style of its famous namesake, it’s the iconic Gigi Hadid Pasta. This decadently creamy, spicy vodka-less pasta isn’t just a viral trend—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni or penne enveloped in a velvety tomato-cream sauce, flecked with fiery red pepper flakes, fresh garlic, and an irresistible touch of buttery parmesan. Whether you need a fast weeknight meal or a dish to wow your friends, Gigi Hadid Pasta is about to become your go-to for every pasta craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk magic with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient in Gigi Hadid Pasta plays a key role: from the robust olive oil to the nutty heap of parmesan, every bite sings with balanced, bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Rigatoni or penne: The classic shapes hold that luscious sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful is blissful.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base that deepens the overall flavor right from the start.
Fresh garlic, finely minced: Brings brightness and just the right amount of aromatic warmth to the sauce.
Tomato paste: Provides concentrated sweetness and that deeply hued, tangy backbone after a quick sauté.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky texture you’ll crave with every mouthful.
Red pepper flakes: Dial the spice up or down to suit—this is where that signature heat comes alive.
Dried basil: Lends herbal notes that marry beautifully with the tomatoes and cream.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste and add as you like for perfect balance.
Freshly grated parmesan: Don’t skimp—this salty, umami-rich cheese weaves everything together.
Unsalted butter: Finishing with butter gives the sauce extra richness and a gorgeous shimmer.
Pasta water: The starchy liquid transforms the sauce into something incredibly smooth and silky.
Optional garnishes (parsley, extra chili flakes): Sprinkle for a pop of color and added heat, if desired.

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a generous pot of boiling salted water. Toss in your rigatoni or penne and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite, with just a little give. Before draining, make sure to scoop out at least a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold for your sauce, so don’t forget it!

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base

Set a large saucepan over medium heat and add in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Let them cook together for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The tomato paste will deepen in color, becoming a rich reddish-brown—this transformation rounds out any sharpness and infuses the dish with deep, caramelized flavor.

Step 3: Creamy Dream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything comes together in a lovely blush sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes—just enough for the flavors to marry and the sauce to reach that perfect, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Spice and Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Give everything a good mix. This is where Gigi Hadid Pasta gets its signature kick, so taste as you go and adjust the heat to match your mood for the night!

Step 5: Cheese, Butter & Glossy Finish

Add the freshly grated parmesan, a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter, and about half a cup of your reserved pasta water. Then, stir and watch as the sauce transforms into silky, restaurant-worthy perfection. If the sauce seems thick, add more pasta water until it hugs the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add your cooked pasta straight into the pan and toss to coat each piece evenly in that luscious sauce. Finish with even more grated parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like things spicy. Serve immediately and let the oohs and ahhs roll in.

How to Serve Gigi Hadid Pasta

Garnishes

Turn your Gigi Hadid Pasta into a true showstopper with a flourish of garnishes. Grate a snowstorm of parmesan on top, toss over some bright green parsley for freshness, and don’t hold back on a sparing dusting of extra chili flakes if you love the spicy touch. It’s not just about looks—the garnishes add intricate layers of flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with sides that let the pasta shine: a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or warm, crusty bread perfect for mopping up extra sauce. If you’re feeling extra, a crisp glass of white wine pairs beautifully, cutting through the creamy richness and deepening each mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

Gigi Hadid Pasta can be as casual or elegant as you want. Plate it up in shallow bowls for cozy family dinners, or twirl a nest onto smaller plates and top with microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. For extra “wow,” serve pasta in a parmesan cheese bowl or individual ramekins—your guests will be double-tapping in real life.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gigi Hadid Pasta is a dream for next-day lunches or sneakily late-night snacks. Transfer any cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to three days. The sauce might thicken, but that’s easily fixed when reheating!

Freezing

While Gigi Hadid Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely freeze leftovers if you find yourself with more than you can eat. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Our advice for reviving chilled or thawed Gigi Hadid Pasta: add a splash of milk or a bit of extra cream to the pan while reheating gently over medium heat. This brings the sauce back to its silky, luxurious self. Stir well and heat until warmed through—never let it boil, or the sauce might separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of rigatoni or penne?

Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne trap the creamy sauce beautifully, any short pasta shape will do. Try fusilli, orecchiette, or even shells, depending on what you have in the pantry.

Why doesn’t this recipe use vodka?

Gigi Hadid Pasta skips the vodka typically found in penne alla vodka, but you won’t miss a thing! The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful all on its own—perfect for anyone who prefers to cook without alcohol or serve the dish to the whole family.

How spicy is this pasta?

The beauty of Gigi Hadid Pasta is how customizable it is. You control the heat! Start with less red pepper flakes and add more as you go—remember, you can always sprinkle extra at the table, but you can’t take it out.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a rich oat-based cream for the heavy cream and use your favorite non-dairy parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy!

Is Gigi Hadid Pasta good for meal prep?

It sure is! This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for packed lunches or prepping a quick dinner in advance. Just remember to add a little extra splash of cream or milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason Gigi Hadid Pasta has become a modern classic—it’s wildly flavorful, full of personality, and genuinely easy to whip up on any night. Give this recipe a try, tweak the spice to your taste, and let it become the centerpiece of your own delicious memories. You’ll find yourself reaching for this one again and again!