Description
Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with a hint of spice, this viral Gigi Hadid Pasta features a luxurious tomato-cream sauce tossed with short pasta for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup vodka (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once warm, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly.
- If using vodka, pour it into the pan and allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavor blends into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Short pasta shapes work best because they hold the sauce well.
- For a milder version, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.
- Stir in vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for added texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream, milk, or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
