This full of flavor Spicy vodka sauce with penne pasta recipe (also known as the Gigi Hadid Pasta on TikTok) with penne pasta and homemade pasta sauce will have your mouth begging for more! No worries, there is no actual Vodka in this homemade vodka sauce - instead, a blend of spices, garlic, tomato paste, and whole whipping cream makes the Gigi Hadid Pasta Sauce a serious viral food trend.
16ozbox of penne pastaboiled + reserve pasta water for later use
Instructions
Cook Pasta according to package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil over medium to medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add 1 small diced Onion and 1 tablespoon of Minced Garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become fragrant and slightly translucent, which should take a few minutes.
Stir in 1 teaspoon each of Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder to the skillet.
Add 1 tablespoon of Tomato Paste, 1 tablespoon of Butter, and 1/2 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream to the skillet, mixing well. The sauce will start to take on a pink hue and thicken slightly.
Continue to heat the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. If the sauce starts to stick, reduce the heat to prevent burning.
Mix in 1/2 cup of Shredded Parmesan Cheese until well combined.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, starting with 1/2 cup, and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Note: The sauce might appear thin at first but will thicken as it simmers.
Allow the sauce to simmer for another 7-8 minutes, stirring often, to let some of the excess liquid evaporate. Adjust with more pasta water if necessary.
Combine the prepared Penne Pasta with the sauce in the skillet, using tongs to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with additional freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese or fresh basil leaves if desired.
Video
Notes
What other pastas than Penne work for this dish?
While Penne is the widely accepted pasta of choice for this viral recipe, the sauce will go with nearly any type of thicker pasta that can soak it up. Try tube shaped pastas like rigatoni or ziti.
What type of changes can be made to Gigi Hadid Pasta to make it better?
Add 1 pound of cooked sausage, increase the whipping cream so the sauce is more plentiful and super rich, plus replace tomato paste for a can of Rotel Diced tomatoes. Perfection!
Consistency Tip: If your sauce gets too thin, you can thicken it by simmering for a few minutes longer or by adding a bit more Parmesan cheese or creating a cornstarch slurry.
Spice Adjustment: Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of Red Pepper Flakes to suit your taste.