Gigi Hadid Pasta Without Vodka
Gigi Hadid's pasta recipe took the internet by storm, and for good reason. I recently made it myself, but I skipped the vodka for a more family-friendly version. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 5 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup pasta water reserved
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley leaves chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente 1 (cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This allows the tomato paste to deepen in color and release its full flavor.
- Creamy Dream: Pour in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (adjust the amount for your spice preference). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pasta Party: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine.
- The Perfect Finish: Add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. You want the sauce to be creamy and coat the pasta evenly, but not too thin. Stir in the butter and grated cheddar cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves. Add some grated cheese on top for garnish as well. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- For a richer flavor, 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.
- 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.
- To ensure a perfectly creamy sauce, whisk the heavy cream vigorously before adding it to the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or milk if needed to loosen it up.