Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta (Creamy, Bold & Restaurant-Worthy)
Few pasta dishes have taken the internet by storm quite like Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta. What started as a simple Instagram story quickly became one of the most searched pasta recipes online — and for good reason. This creamy, spicy, tomato-based sauce delivers restaurant-level flavor using simple pantry ingredients.
Rich tomato paste, silky cream, a splash of vodka, and a kick of red chili flakes combine to create a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings perfectly to ridged pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
If you’ve been curious about the viral TikTok pasta everyone raves about, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to master it — with pro tips, variations, and foolproof techniques.
Why This Spicy Vodka Pasta Went Viral
There are thousands of pasta recipes online — so what made this one explode in popularity?
- It uses simple ingredients most people already have.
- It looks elegant and restaurant-worthy.
- The sauce is ultra creamy but not overly heavy.
- It balances spice, tang, richness, and depth.
- It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Tomato paste intensifies flavor, cream smooths acidity, vodka enhances depth, and chili flakes add gentle heat.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup vodka
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Ingredient Breakdown & Flavor Science
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is the heart of this sauce. Unlike crushed tomatoes, it delivers concentrated flavor and rich color. Cooking it briefly caramelizes the sugars, deepening taste.
Vodka
Vodka helps release flavor compounds in tomatoes that are alcohol-soluble. It doesn’t make the dish taste alcoholic — instead, it enhances complexity.
Heavy Cream
Cream balances acidity and creates that signature velvety texture.
Red Chili Flakes
They provide warmth and subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add diced shallot and cook until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste and red chili flakes. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and becomes glossy. This step intensifies flavor.
4. Add Vodka
Pour in vodka and stir. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol while leaving behind depth of flavor.
5. Add Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. The sauce will turn a beautiful orange-pink color. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Finish with Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and glossy.
Gigi Hadid’s Viral Spicy Vodka Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil and butter.
- Add tomato paste and chili flakes; cook until darkened.
- Stir in vodka and simmer briefly.
- Add heavy cream and simmer until smooth.
- Toss pasta with sauce and Parmesan. Adjust with pasta water if needed.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Vodka Sauce
Don’t Rush the Tomato Paste
Cooking it properly removes raw flavor and adds richness.
Reserve Pasta Water
The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it silky.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Adjust the Heat
If you prefer mild pasta, reduce chili flakes. For extra spice, add more.
Variations & Customizations
Make It Without Vodka
Simply omit the vodka and replace with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness.
Add Protein
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Italian sausage
Make It Vegetarian
The base recipe already is! Just ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
Make It Extra Creamy
Add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end for richness.
What Makes Vodka Sauce Unique?
Vodka sauce sits between classic marinara and Alfredo. It’s tomato-based like marinara but enriched with cream like Alfredo — offering the best of both worlds.
The alcohol enhances flavors in a way water or broth cannot. It binds fat and water-based ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This easy spicy pasta recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Burrata on top for indulgence
It’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or cozy evenings in.
Storage & Reheating
Store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Not recommended due to cream separation.
Nutritional Highlights
This pasta offers:
- Carbohydrates for energy
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Protein from cheese
- Lycopene from tomatoes
It’s indulgent but balanced when enjoyed in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the alcohol cook out?
Yes. Simmering burns off most of the alcohol, leaving flavor behind.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
What pasta works best?
Rigatoni or penne are ideal because ridges hold sauce beautifully.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Gigi Hadid’s viral pasta isn’t just hype — it’s genuinely delicious. The creamy tomato vodka sauce is bold yet balanced, spicy yet smooth, rich yet not overwhelming.
It’s a modern comfort food classic that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why the internet couldn’t stop talking about it.
