Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

I remember the first time I made the Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe—I had my doubts, mostly because, well, it came from a celebrity TikTok that my teenager couldn’t stop raving about. But as soon as that rich aroma of garlic and tomato paste started filling the kitchen, I knew this was something special. When I finally sat down to taste it, the creamy sauce with just the right hint of spice won me over instantly. It quickly became a family favorite for those busy weeknights when I want to impress without fuss.

This Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe isn’t just any pasta dish—it’s creamy, comforting, and has that little spicy edge that makes you want seconds. What makes it really stand out is how the tomato paste is cooked slowly, deepening the flavor so your sauce isn’t flat or too acidic. The richness from the cream paired with the boldness of red pepper flakes means every forkful is satisfying, without feeling heavy or complicated. Plus, the color—warm, vibrant, and inviting—is like a cozy hug on your plate.

If you’re new to cooking pasta or sauces like this, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through every step, from cooking the pasta just right to coaxing maximum flavor out of the tomato paste. By the end, you’ll have dinner on the table that’s both impressive and totally doable—and maybe even one to add to your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Before you start, have your measuring spoons and cups handy. Precision helps especially with seasoning and creamy sauces. Don’t worry—the exact quantities are in the printable recipe card at the bottom so you can keep your prep smooth.

• Rigatoni or penne pasta: The ridges and hollow centers trap sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Boosts richness and provides the perfect base for sautéing garlic and tomato paste.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that aromatic punch; avoid burning it during cooking.
• Tomato paste: The foundation of the sauce; cooked slowly to develop deep, caramelized flavor.
• Heavy cream: Adds the luscious, velvety texture essential for that restaurant-quality sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust according to your spice tolerance; they brighten the dish.
• Dried basil: For herbal notes that complement the tomato and cream.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for subtle warmth.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Melted smoothly into the sauce for salty, nutty depth.
• Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce and adds a silky finish.
• Salt: Essential for pasta water and seasoning throughout.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley and extra parmesan or red pepper flakes for that final pop.

If you need to swap, penne or other ridged short pasta will work just fine. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half is a good alternative to heavy cream. And yes, you can use pre-grated parmesan if that’s easier—just add it a bit more gently to avoid clumping.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta properly with plenty of salted water—key to al dente.
• Large sauté pan or saucepan: To cook the sauce evenly without burning the garlic or tomato paste.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Gentle on your pan and perfect for stirring thick sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy counts, especially with spices and cream.
• Colander: For draining pasta while reserving some cooking water.
• Grater: Freshly grate parmesan for best melting and flavor.

How to Make Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

Ready to get cooking? This Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe is straightforward but demands a bit of care when building the sauce. Follow along and you’ll have creamy, spicy pasta ready faster than takeout—plus, way more satisfying.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni or penne and cook until al dente—this means it should have a slight bite, not mushy. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water; this helps adjust your sauce later.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring frequently. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the tomato paste darkens from bright red to reddish brown. This step is crucial to remove raw tomato bitterness and deepen the flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell fragrant but not bitter.
3. Simmer and Season the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly. Add crushed red pepper flakes (start with 2 tsp, add more if you like heat), dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. This builds the signature spicy and herbal layers you’ll love.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in grated parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and about half a cup of reserved pasta water. Mix until silky and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water gradually to reach your perfect texture. The starch in the water makes this sauce luxuriously smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss your cooked pasta gently in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Let it sit for a minute so the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.

How to Serve

Flavor Boosters

Once your Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe is ready, feel free to add a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves brightens the dish right at the end. And don’t skip on extra parmesan cheese—it melts right on top, adding that salty, nutty hit that makes all the difference.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—both help cut through the richness. For carbs, garlic bread or fresh focaccia is ideal because they soak up the sauce like magic. If you want protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp complement the sauce without overpowering those fragrant red pepper flakes. Don’t forget a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti to round out the meal.

Presentation Touches

For dinner parties, plate the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a final dusting of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Add a drizzle of good olive oil for shine and richness. If serving family style, toss the pasta and sauce just before bringing it to the table to keep everything silky and fresh. Leftovers make a fantastic packed lunch and still impress when reheated.

Variations & Easy Swaps

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Swap rigatoni for fusilli, shells, or ziti if preferred or what you have on hand.
• For dairy-free, try canned full-fat coconut milk in place of cream, adding slowly and tasting as you go.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled vegetables for an easy veggie boost.
• Turn up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili alongside red pepper flakes.
• Mix Pecorino Romano with parmesan for a sharper cheese flavor in the sauce.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store airtight for up to 4 days. Sauce may thicken—reheat gently with a splash of pasta water or cream.
• Freeze: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Cream sauces might separate but stir vigorously when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with added liquid for creaminess, or microwave in 30-second bursts stirring in between.

FAQs

• Can I use long pasta like spaghetti? You could, but I don’t recommend it since the sauce clings best to ridged, tubular pasta like rigatoni or penne.
• What if I don’t have tomato paste? Use a reduced amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and simmer longer to thicken the sauce.
• How spicy is this pasta? The heat is adjustable—start with less crushed red pepper and add more if you like it fiery.
• Why should I reserve pasta water? The starchy water helps loosen your sauce to the perfect creamy consistency without watering it down.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The pasta stores well refrigerated and actually tastes great reheated the next day.

Print