When supermodel Gigi Hadid posted her step-by-step spicy vodka pasta recipe on Instagram and TikTok, it instantly became a global sensation. It is incredibly easy to make, remarkably creamy, and perfectly balanced with a kick of heat.

The secret is heavily caramelizing the tomato paste with shallots and garlic before deglazing with vodka and finishing with heavy cream and pasta water. The resulting sauce clings perfectly to rigatoni.

Ingredients You Need

• 1 lb rigatoni or penne pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil heavily salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a darker, rust color and slightly caramelizes.

4. Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Stir until the liquid evaporates.

5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. The sauce will turn a beautiful bright orange color.

6. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and make it glossy.

7. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with more parmesan and fresh torn basil.

Troubleshooting: Why is my Gigi Hadid's Spicy Vodka Pasta not turning out right?

If you are having trouble getting this recipe right, ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately. Baking and cooking are sciences, and the right ratios matter. Also, check your oven temperature; many ovens run hot or cold.