Remember those early quarantine days when we were all trying to find new ways to entertain ourselves in the kitchen?

That’s when Gigi Hadid blessed us with her simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta recipe, and it quickly became a social media sensation. I, like many others, was instantly hooked. My kids even started calling this my ‘signature dish,’ though I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I always seem to be making it!

Initially, the recipe called for vodka, but I quickly adapted it to suit our family’s needs. With kids around, the last thing you want is a tipsy household!

This version is just as delicious, if not more so, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for even the pickiest eaters.

Gigi shared her recipe back in 2020, and it quickly became a staple in many homes. It’s more than just a passing trend; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. This recipe is a testament to that, it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. 

I’ll guide you through the original recipe and offer some helpful variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll be whipping up this delicious pasta in no time.

So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy this viral sensation! You might just find that it becomes a family favorite too.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta Base

Penne, with its hollow tubes and ridges, is perfect for trapping the creamy sauce we’ll be making. Remember that time you tried to make a creamy sauce with spaghetti and ended up in a slippery mess? Penne is your solution! It will hug the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Cooking Oil

Our journey to flavor town begins with a drizzle of good quality cooking oil.

Onion

This humble ingredient adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the sauce. Sauteing the onions until softened coaxes out their natural sugars, caramelizing them slightly for an extra touch of flavor. Think of it like adding a secret melody to the symphony of tastes in this dish.

Garlic Cloves 

Garlic is a must-have in so many dishes, and this one is no exception. Its pungent aroma and sharp flavor add a real kick to the sauce. But don’t worry, we’ll be sauteing it with the onions to mellow it out a bit. I always find mincing garlic therapeutic, a little kitchen ritual before the magic happens.

Tomato Paste

This concentrated tomato product adds a vibrant depth of flavor to the sauce. It’s like capturing the essence of summer tomatoes in a tube. You could try using ketchup as well, since it is actually a type of tomato paste with added sugar, spices, and chemical preservatives.

Heavy Cream

This is what makes our sauce luxuriously creamy and oh-so-satisfying. Heavy cream has a high butterfat content, which contributes to the richness of the sauce, just like a silky smooth hug for your taste buds.

Red Pepper Flakes

A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a touch of heat to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Always start with less because the purpose is to tantalize your taste buds, not set your mouth on fire!

Pasta Water

A splash of pasta water can be your secret weapon for achieving restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home.

Butter

A pat of butter adds richness and helps emulsify everything together, creating a cohesive and flavorful sauce. Butter in this recipe is like the glue that brings all the other flavors together in perfect harmony.

Cheddar Cheese

This salty, nutty cheese is the perfect finishing touch for our pasta. Grated cheddar adds a salty depth of flavor and a creamy texture to the dish. But don’t be shy, be generous with the cheese.

Salt and Pepper

A pinch of salt and pepper will awaken your taste buds and make all the other ingredients sing. Just remember to start with a little and add more to taste.

Fresh Parsley

Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions For The Recipe

1- First, grab your penne and toss it into a pot of boiling water. We want it cooked al dente, that means “to the tooth” in Italian, basically cooked but still with a bit of a bite. Trust me, this makes all the difference in texture. I learned this the hard way once mushy pasta is a major mood killer.

2- Now heat up some oil in a pan and then add the chopped onions. Sauté them gently until they soften and become translucent. This might seem boring, but trust me, it’s like building the base notes of a delicious symphony, essential for a well-rounded flavor profile.

3- Once the onions are nice and soft, toss in the minced garlic. Saute it for just a minute or two, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, though; burnt garlic is the screeching off-keynote in our culinary masterpiece. We want fragrant, not acrid!

4- Now comes the time to introduce the tomato paste. Stir it in with the onions and garlic, and let it cook for a couple of minutes. This allows the tomato paste to deepen in color and release its full flavor. It’s like adding a rich, warm alto to our flavor symphony.

5- Pour in that heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes (adjust the amount for your spice preference). Let everything simmer together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and get to know each other. 

6- Okay, by now your pasta should be perfectly al dente. Drain it, reserving about a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust me, you’ll need it). We don’t want to throw away that flavorful liquid gold!

7- Toss the drained pasta into the pan with our creamy sauce. Add a pat of butter, a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, and a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Toss everything together until everything is beautifully coated and emulsified (that fancy way of saying the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta). This is the grand finale, where all the instruments come together in a harmonious blend of flavor and texture.

8- Finally, to add a bright and beautiful touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over your masterpiece. Fresh parsley is like the finishing flourish on a painting, adding a pop of color and freshness that elevates the entire dish. Although you could always use dry! Sprinkle some grated cheese on top too for that visual finish.

Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of your Gigi Hadid-inspired pasta creation!

Tips & Tricks

Tip # 1 – Mise en Place

This French culinary term translates to “everything in its place.” Before you even turn on the stove, prep all your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic, measure out the tomato paste, and grate the Parmesan. This will make the cooking process much smoother and less stressful. I used to be a chaotic cook, but “mise en place” has seriously transformed my kitchen game.

Tip # 2 – Dry Toasting Of Tomatoes

To deepen the flavor of your sauce, toast the tomato paste in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding the oil and aromatics. This caramelizes the paste and adds a complex sweetness to the dish. I discovered this little trick by accident once, and now I swear by it!

Tip # 3 – Extra Spice Strategy

If you like a little extra heat, toast the red pepper flakes in a dry skillet for a few seconds before adding them to the sauce. This intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful smokiness. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes a big difference.

FAQs