I’m excited to share my take on TikTok Vodka Pasta using tender penne tossed in olive oil and garlic, with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The creamy blend of heavy cream, vodka and diced tomatoes, finished with Parmesan and basil, creates a dish bursting with flavor.

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I’ve always been intrigued by TikTok recipes, so when I came across Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta, I knew I had to give it a shot. I boiled 1 lb of penne pasta while heating up 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan.

Then I tossed in 4 minced garlic cloves (and trust me, if you love garlic, feel free to add extra) along with 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick. I seasoned it with salt and pepper before mixing in 1/2 cup vodka—if you’re up for it—as it really intensifies the flavor.

Next, I poured in 1 cup heavy cream, added a can of diced tomatoes, and folded in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. To finish, I garnished with fresh basil.

I love how this recipe blends classic pasta dinner vibes with that modern, edgy twist that you’ve seen everywhere online. Enjoy experimenting with your own unique variations!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the sauce is super creamy and blends all these cool flavors like garlic, red pepper, tomato, and basil into something really comforting. One of the best things is how the vodka gives it a little kick, making every bite feel kinda adventurous even though it’s still a simple dish. I also like that it’s easy to make, so even on days when Im not feeling super fancy you can whip it up and it always comes out delicious. And finally, the way the pasta gets coated in that rich, cheesy sauce always makes me feel like i’m enjoying a special treat.

Ingredients

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Penne pasta is the main carbohydrate fuel that gives energy and hearty texture.
Olive oil brings a healthy fat boost and a light fruity flavor thats hard to beat.
Garlic adds a bold aroma and natural wellness benefits while making the dish extra tasty.
Crushed red pepper flakes offer a fiery kick that awakens the flavour and senses.
Diced tomatoes deliver a tangy burst and vitamins that brighten up the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream keeps the pasta smooth, rich and delicious with a velvety taste.
Parmesan cheese lends a salty, umami finish with a bit of protein for extra flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic)

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup vodka (optional but it really adds the kick)

1 cup heavy cream

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (if you want a little extra flavor)

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it.

2. In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Cook the garlic until it smells really nice, about 1 minute, then season with salt and pepper.

4. If you’re using the vodka, pour in the 1/2 cup now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the alcohol can cook off a bit.

5. Next, add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the pan and stir it all together.

6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens a little.

7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce gets nice and creamy.

8. Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix it in well so every piece is covered in that tasty sauce.

9. Serve it up hot and garnish with fresh basil for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot to boil the salted water
2. A colander for draining the pasta
3. A large pan to cook the garlic and build the sauce
4. Measuring cups for the vodka and heavy cream
5. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring all the ingredients
6. A knife and cutting board for prepping the basil (and garlic if not already minced)
7. A grater if the Parmesan cheese isn’t pre-grated

FAQ

Q: What if I dont like vodka or want to avoid alcohol?

A: You can totally skip the vodka but just be aware that it does help boost the flavor so you might wanna add a little extra spice or a splash of chicken broth instead.

Q: Is it possible to use a different kind of pasta?

A: Sure thing. Penne is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce, but rigatoni or even fusilli would work just fine if thats what u have on hand.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?

A: Yes, just lower the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or skip them all together if you dont fancy too much heat.

Q: How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

A: Just taste a piece a couple minutes before the suggested cooking time is up. It should be tender with a bit of a firm bite.

Q: Can I use a lighter cream instead of heavy cream?

A: You can try that but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit runny. For the best creamy texture, heavy cream really is the star of the dish.

Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil handy, you can easily swap it with avocado oil or even a good quality canola oil.
Vodka: Not a fan of alcohol? Try using a splash of white wine and a bit of water to mimic that tangy kick.
Heavy cream: If heavy cream is too rich for you, half-and-half works pretty well, or even coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy free vibe.
Parmesan cheese: Can’t find Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that still packs a cheesy punch.
Crushed red pepper flakes: If you want a little less heat, you can tone it down with a pinch of paprika or just use fewer red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

1. When browning your garlic and red pepper flakes, make sure not to overcook em – if they get too dark, they can leave a bitter aftertaste and ruin the overall flavor of the dish.
2. If you decide to go with vodka, let it simmer long enough so that most of the alcohol cooks off. It really helps if you give it a few extra minutes on a lower heat before moving on to the cream and tomatoes.
3. Save a small cup of your pasta water before draining – adding a bit of it to your sauce can help bind everything together and adjust the creaminess if needed.
4. Fresh basil is a game changer, so sprinkle it in right as you’re ready to serve. It brings a burst of real fresh flavor that lifts up the whole dish.

Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

I'm excited to share my take on TikTok Vodka Pasta using tender penne tossed in olive oil and garlic, with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The creamy blend of heavy cream, vodka and diced tomatoes, finished with Parmesan and basil, creates a dish bursting with flavor.

Servings

servings

Calories

880

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large pot to boil the salted water
2. A colander for draining the pasta
3. A large pan to cook the garlic and build the sauce
4. Measuring cups for the vodka and heavy cream
5. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring all the ingredients
6. A knife and cutting board for prepping the basil (and garlic if not already minced)
7. A grater if the Parmesan cheese isn’t pre-grated

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup vodka (optional but it really adds the kick)
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (if you want a little extra flavor)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it's al dente, then drain it.
In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cook the garlic until it smells really nice, about 1 minute, then season with salt and pepper.
If you're using the vodka, pour in the 1/2 cup now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the alcohol can cook off a bit.
Next, add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the pan and stir it all together.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens a little.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce gets nice and creamy.
Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix it in well so every piece is covered in that tasty sauce.
Serve it up hot and garnish with fresh basil for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.