I was on holiday in my native village in Italy and found this spicy vodka pasta to be a wonder dish, prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s easy and convenient if you want to cook something instantly for your family members. They will simply like the flavors and creamy texture. You can make this yummy and delicious recipe with the basic ingredients and seasoning as per taste. For vegans, it’s a big delight, as you can use whole wheat or even gluten-free pasta too. Looking back in history, this dish originated in Italy and became famous in the United States when it was first introduced in restaurants. This tomato-based creamy pasta is simply irresistible – too tempting and yummy!
Why Do You Love the Spicy Vodka Pasta?
The main reason why I love this spicy vodka pasta is because it is easy to cook. It is bliss for your family members, as you can make this creamy, restaurant-quality pasta instantly, whenever your members want to have it. This pasta is spicy, tasty, and scrumptious, and the seasoning can be adjusted as per your taste. You can also make it with that extra cheese if you want. This could be the perfect combo of Italian-American dishes for your kids any day during the week for lunch or dinner!
How To Make Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe
The recipe includes short pasta (such as pasta shells or orecchiette), olive oil, shallots or red onion, garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, pasta water, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it ensures a flavorful and spicy dish for everyone in your family. However, it is advised that the consumption of pasta should be in moderation, as excess of it can cause weight gain. You can check its calorie content below.
Spicy Vodka Pasta Ingredients
- 350-400 grams of penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on desired spiciness)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnishing)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add the crushed tomatoes or tomato puree to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vodka mixture. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it further.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the spicy vodka pasta in bowls or on plates, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose pasta shapes with ridges or holes, like penne, orecchiette, shell pasta, farfalle (bowtie), conchiglie, or fusilli. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well.
- You can use substitutes like white rum, apple cider, apple juice, or white grape juice.
- If you lack shallots or red onion, white or yellow onion works as a replacement.
- In case you’re out of fresh basil, fresh parsley makes a good garnish for a burst of flavor.
- While the recipe is vegetarian, you can add proteins like ground beef, shredded chicken, or air-fried shrimp.
Storage and Reheating
- To store spicy vodka pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, put the leftovers in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a bit of heavy cream or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is warmed through.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: One Bowl
Amount Per Serving
Daily Value
| Calories | 405Kcal 24% |
| Total Fat | 31.67g 50% |
| Saturated Fat | 11.43g 67% |
| Trans Fat | 0g 0% |
| Cholesterol | 52mg 17% |
| Sodium | 234.33mg 10% |
| Potassium | 161mg 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.67g 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g 4% |
| Sugars | 3.83g 5% |
| Added Sugars | 0g 0% |
| Protein | 8.33g 17% |
| Vitamin A1 | 50.5mcg 22% |
| Vitamin C | 2.01mg 3% |
| Calcium | 215.67mg 22% |
| Iron | 1.25mg 7% |
| Vitamin D | 0.07mcg 0% |
Health Benefits
- Customizable Ingredients: The recipe offers flexibility for different dietary preferences, such as whole wheat, keto, or gluten-free pasta options, catering to individual health needs.
- Limited Saturation: By reducing the amount of olive oil and omitting or reducing butter and heavy cream, you can lower the dish’s saturated fat content.
- Increased Nutrients: Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost dietary fiber and essential nutrients, and keep you fuller for longer.
- Lean Protein Addition: Enhance the dish’s nutrition by incorporating lean proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon, which contribute to muscle health and satiety.
- Less Sugar Intake: Avoiding vodka or using substitutes minimizes added sugars, promoting a healthier balance in the meal.
- Reduced Sodium: Controlling the amount of added salt helps in maintaining sodium intake within recommended limits.
- Vitamin-Rich Basil: Adding fresh basil contributes antioxidants and vitamins, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
- Moderation: Enjoying pasta in moderation helps manage calorie intake and promotes portion control.
Bottom Line
Incorporate spicy vodka pasta into your meals for a flavorful, easy, and convenient dish. This offers a creamy, rich tomato sauce with various types of seasoning that pairs perfectly with pasta. Whether following the original recipe or making some variations, the dish is a delicious meal that’s bound to please your kids and family member’s taste buds. So, enjoy cooking and try this recipe at home.
Frequent Asked Questions: Spicy Vodka Pasta (Gigi Hadid Pasta)
Are There Any Vodka Substitutes for Pasta Alla Vodka?
Certainly! There are several vodka substitutes for Pasta alla Vodka, such as white rum, apple cider, white grape juice, or apple juice. Mixing these juices with lemon or lime juice is optional as the tomato paste already provides acidity. Omitting the vodka altogether is also an option, as the slightly acidic note from the tomato paste can stand on its own. It is how the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe was made when she didn’t have vodka at home.
Can You Make This Spicy Vodka Sauce with Milk?
While heavy cream and half-and-half are the preferred choices for a creamy texture in the spicy vodka sauce, using whole milk is possible. However, it’s important to use a smaller amount than is called for in the recipe for heavy cream. Additionally, be prepared for a longer reduction time. Avoid using reduced-fat milk for best results.
What Type of Pasta Does Gigi Use in Her Recipe?
Gigi Hadid’s recipe features orecchiette pasta, often referred to as “little ears,” which is smaller than medium-sized shell pasta. The orecchiette pasta she used has a rounded shape and is distinct from traditional shell pasta, which has funnel-like ends. While shell pasta would also work well to hold the creamy tomato-based sauce, Gigi’s choice of orecchiette adds a unique twist to the dish.
How Can You Make Gigi Hadid's Pasta Recipe Healthy?
To make Gigi Hadid’s pasta recipe healthier, you can:
- Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Skip the tablespoon of butter.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Opt for whole-wheat or low-carb pasta.
- Skip the vodka.
- Use minimal salt when seasoning your pasta.
What Do You Serve with Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta?
If you’re looking to serve a side with Gigi Hadid’s spicy vodka pasta, consider these options:
- Air fryer asparagus
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Fresh spinach or arugula salad (or any leafy greens)
- Garlic Bread Rolls (if you’re okay with extra calories)
What Protein Can I Add to Gigi Hadid Vodka Pasta?
To complement the rich sauce, consider incorporating a lean protein like grilled chicken breast, shrimp, scallops, or salmon.
NICE TO MEET YOU!
Welcome! I’m Sumi, and I have a love for FOOD. Here, we’re all almost the pleasure of homemade delicious recipes.
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