Creamy, comforting, and oh-so-simple, this viral TikTok Gigi Hadid-inspired pasta recipe lives up to the hype. So easy to make using simple pantry staples, we’re taking vodka pasta (hold the vodka) to the next level! Also known as “Pink Sauce Pasta,” this restaurant-quality meal only takes 20-25 minutes to whip up!

Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe…with NO Vodka!

Let’s talk about a recipe that took the internet by storm and, if you’re anything like me, probably popped up on your feed more times than you can count: the infamous Gigi Hadid copycat pasta. And guess what? It’s viral for a reason, because it’s seriously, seriously good.

Now, I’ll admit, when I first saw it, I was a little skeptical. Another celebrity recipe? Another TikTok food trend? But something about the creamy, spicy, tomato-y goodness just called to me. Like…I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. I had the tab pulled up on my computer until one day I figured, “Why not? Let’s give it a whirl.” And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I tried a bite and the words that came out of my mouth were “This is honestly the best pasta I have ever made.” (My cute husband is my witness!)

With a couple modifications, this pasta has earned a spot in my meal rotation. It delivers a restaurant-quality meal in about 20 minutes, and, if you are slightly crazy like me, makes for a delicious breakfast the next morning. 😉

Why you’ll love ->

• It’s ridiculously easy to make
• Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand (or can easily grab during your next Target pick up order!)
• A quick and impressive meal!
• It’s rich. It’s comforting. Its kick is totally customizable.

This isn’t just a trend anymore; it’s a legitimate weeknight winner, and I am HERE for it.

Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe ingredients

Full amounts listed at the bottom of the post!

• Rigatoni pasta: you can also use penne; you want a noodle that can hold its own with this sauce since it’s a bit on the heavier side. Note: not all pastas are created equal! Look for pasta that uses high-quality durum wheat semolina. It creates a rougher, more “authentic” texture that better absorbs sauce.
• Olive oil: extra virgin, if possible
• Garlic: highly recommend using fresh garlic in this one! It makes all the difference.
• Tomato paste
• Heavy cream
• Red pepper flakes
• Basil: dried or fresh can be used. We went with fresh and ohhhh my goodness. I highly recommend. The little pops of fresh work so well with the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated. As convenient as pre-shredded can be, it won’t work well in this recipe. Pre-grated cheeses are often covered with a fine coating to prevent the shreds from sticking together (anti-caking). However, this coating prevents the cheese from melting down properly to make a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Butter

How to make Gigi Hadid Pasta Without Vodka

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a saucepan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste; cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The tomato paste will darken in color from a bright red to reddish brown (this process removes acidity from the tomato paste!).

3. Add the red pepper flakes, fresh or dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix again.
4. Add the heavy cream and mix until incorporated. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Add the grated parmesan, butter, and 1/2 a cup pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you think it needs more pasta water, you can gradually add more in until it reaches the consistency you want. 1/2 a cup and maybe 2 more tablespoons is perfect for us!
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat evenly. Top it off with more grated parm, chopped parsley or basil, and pepper flakes if desired!

Variations on this No-Vodka Vodka Creamy Pasta (Gigi Hadid Inspired)

• Customize the heat! Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Cooking for kids? Add only a pinch. You really get to tailor the heat to you!
• Herbs: Don’t like basil? You can use dried or fresh parsley instead.

How to serve

• This one is beautiful when topped with grated parm, chopped parsley or basil, and pepper flakes. Restaurant presentation right there!
• We love ours along side a nice green salad, something with a bite of tartness to balance out the creaminess, like our Peach Fruit Salad, and garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce.

How to store

IF you are lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store in a sealed food storage container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

If you haven’t jumped on the Gigi Hadid pasta train yet, now is your time. Seriously, give this recipe a try. It lives up to the hype, and I guarantee it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!

More Favorites from Sweetly Petite

GIGI HADID SPICY VODKA PASTA (NO VODKA!)

• 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
• 2/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil OR a 5-10 leaves of fresh basil, chiffonade cut
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan + more to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• pasta water
• optional garnishes: finely chopped parsley and red pepper flakes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.
2. In a saucepan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. The tomato paste will darken in color from a bright red to reddish brown.
3. Add heavy cream and mix until incorporated. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the red pepper flakes, dried or fresh basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix again.
5. Add the grated parmesan, butter, and 1/2 a cup pasta water. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you think it needs more pasta water, you can slowly add in more of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat evenly. Top it off with more grated parm, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.