Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stovetop · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
This creamy and spicy pasta alla vodka is a cozy dish perfect for chilly nights, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.When the chilly winds of New York City begin to blow and the holiday season is just around the corner, nothing warms my soul quite like a comforting plate of pasta. This year, I've tested countless recipes, but Gigi Hadid's Spicy Pasta alla Vodka has quickly become a favorite. Rich, creamy, and with a subtle kick, this dish is perfect for cozy nights spent indoors or festive gatherings where you want to impress your guests without too much fuss.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
This spicy pasta alla vodka is not just about nourishment; it's about creating memories. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The rich and creamy sauce combined with a hint of spice makes this pasta dish a cozy delight, perfect for chilly nights.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Impress Your Guests: This dish is sure to be a showstopper at dinner parties or family gatherings, helping you shine as a host.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice or experiment with different pasta shapes to suit your taste and occasion.
- Leftover Friendly: This pasta dish keeps well in the fridge for a quick meal the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Spicy Pasta Alla Vodka, gather the following ingredients:
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (I prefer DeLallo for its perfect al dente texture)
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for enhanced flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (the sweetness of a yellow onion works wonders)
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust depending on your spice tolerance)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (freshly minced makes a difference)
Liquids
- ½ cup vodka (I use a quality brand like Tito's for a clean taste)
- 1 cup canned tomato puree (San Marzano is my go-to for robust flavor)
- ½ cup heavy cream (to achieve that luxurious creaminess)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (chopped or whole, depending on your preference)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (freshly grated is always best)
How to Make Gigi Hadid's Spicy Pasta Alla Vodka (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create this delightful pasta dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining-it's liquid gold!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The moment it starts to shimmer, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, and enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Spice and Garlic
Stir in the red pepper flakes, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, but watch closely to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vodka
Carefully pour in the vodka, allowing it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You'll notice the sharpness of the vodka mellowing out, leaving just a hint of depth that elevates the sauce.
Step 5: Tomato Time
Stir in the tomato puree, mixing well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is silky and well-blended. Take a moment here to inhale deeply-the nutty aroma of the cream combined with the spices is simply divine!
Step 7: Combine
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Plate and Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't Skip the Pasta Water: It's key to achieving the right sauce consistency. Trust me; your dish will thank you!
- Overcooking the Garlic: It can turn bitter if you let it brown too much. Always sauté on medium heat and make sure to stir frequently.
- Quality of Ingredients Matters: Using fresh garlic, good-quality vodka, and San Marzano tomatoes makes all the difference in flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit more heavy cream and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Experiment with different types of pasta - rigatoni or farfalle also work beautifully with this sauce.
- For a touch of extra elegance, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
Variations
- Swap penne pasta for rigatoni or farfalle.
- Use crushed red pepper or fresh chili for heat adjustment.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, either chopped or whole.
- Top with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream may change texture upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered how the right ingredients can elevate a simple dish into something spectacular. Also, don't underestimate the power of well-timed seasoning; adding salt at every stage brings out flavors you didn't know were there.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 12g protein · 60g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Spicy Pasta alla Vodka
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, followed by the minced garlic, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the vodka, allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato puree, mixing well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is silky and well-blended.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make Gigi Hadid's Spicy Pasta alla Vodka ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve.
2. What can I substitute for vodka in this recipe?
If you prefer to make a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the vodka entirely or use a splash of vegetable broth for added flavor.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
4. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well, but other shapes like rigatoni or farfalle also work nicely.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
