Name: Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 0.25 cup olive oil; 1 shallot (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 0.25 cup tomato paste; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste); 0.25 cup vodka; 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 0.5 cup pasta water (reserved)

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When supermodel Gigi Hadid shared her homemade spicy vodka pasta recipe, it instantly became a global sensation. What started as a casual social media post quickly turned into one of the most searched and recreated pasta dishes online. This Gigi Hadid spicy vodka pasta combines creamy richness, subtle heat, and deep tomato flavor into a luxurious yet incredibly simple weeknight meal.

The beauty of this viral TikTok pasta recipe lies in its balance. The tomato paste brings concentrated flavor, heavy cream softens the acidity, vodka enhances the sauce’s depth, and red pepper flakes provide that signature spicy kick. The result? A velvety, restaurant-quality creamy tomato vodka sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate easy penne vodka recipe with a celebrity twist, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down everything you need to know to master this iconic dish.

Why This Spicy Vodka Pasta Went Viral

There are countless pasta recipes online, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
Ready in under 30 minutes
Comfort food with a spicy edge
Easily customizable

Unlike traditional penne alla vodka recipes that can feel heavy, this version is bold yet balanced. It feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Plus, the method is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for students, busy professionals, or anyone craving a quick but impressive meal.

What Makes Vodka Sauce Special?

You might wonder: does vodka really make a difference?

Yes — and here’s why.

Vodka helps release flavor compounds in tomatoes that are both water- and alcohol-soluble. This enhances the overall taste without making the dish taste alcoholic. Once simmered, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a more complex, rounded sauce.

Combined with cream, butter, and pasta water, the sauce transforms into a silky coating that hugs every piece of pasta.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to recreate Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta at home:

12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once warm, sauté the chopped shallot for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens slightly in color. This step intensifies the tomato flavor.
Add red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce turns smooth and creamy with a beautiful orange hue.
Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Vodka Pasta

1. Cook the Tomato Paste Properly

Don’t rush this step. Cooking the paste until it deepens in color removes raw acidity and enhances sweetness.

2. Salt Your Pasta Water Generously

It should taste like the sea. Properly salted pasta water improves the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

4. Control the Heat Level

Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes and increase gradually if you prefer extra spice.

5. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

The starch in pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and cohesive.

Variations to Try

One reason this easy penne vodka recipe continues trending is its versatility.

Add Protein

Grilled chicken slices
Sautéed shrimp
Crispy pancetta
Italian sausage

Make It Vegetarian-Friendly

It already is vegetarian, but you can add:

Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Roasted zucchini

Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Make It Extra Creamy

Add an extra tablespoon of butter or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This celebrity pasta recipe pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables
Sparkling water or lemonade

For a dinner-party feel, serve it in warm bowls and top with fresh basil ribbons and cracked black pepper.

Common Questions

Does the pasta taste like alcohol?

No. The vodka simmers long enough for the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind enhanced tomato flavor.

Can I skip the vodka?

You can substitute with a splash of lemon juice and a bit of water, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Short pasta shapes hold the creamy tomato vodka sauce best.

How long does it last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

Why This Pasta Is Perfect for Busy Nights

This Gigi Hadid spicy vodka pasta proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to create something memorable. It’s ideal for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Date nights at home
Student-friendly meals
Impressing guests without stress

From prep to plate, the entire dish takes about 25 minutes. That’s faster than most takeout options — and far more satisfying.

The Secret Behind the Sauce’s Color

The signature vibrant orange hue comes from the perfect marriage of tomato paste and cream. As the cream blends into the cooked paste, it creates that Instagram-worthy color that helped make this viral TikTok pasta recipe so iconic.

Final Thoughts

Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a modern comfort classic. Creamy, slightly spicy, deeply flavorful, and incredibly simple, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re recreating it because you saw it online or simply because you love bold pasta dishes, this easy penne vodka recipe delivers every single time.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why the internet couldn’t stop talking about it.