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Close up of Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce Shells) with fresh basil in a bowl on a dish towel.

Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce Shells)

5 from 4 votes
Here is the recipe for the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta with spicy vodka sauce. An incredibly creamy, indulgent dish that is essentially penne alla vodka but with shells. It’s fast, easy, and can be made with or without vodka!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 711
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta shells reserve 1 cup pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 shallot diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup vodka see note for making without
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes adjust to preference
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to preference
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper adjust to preference
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil, chopped for topping

Method
 

  1. Cook shell pasta according to package directions or al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in saucepan on stove over medium heat.
  3. Once warm, add shallot and saute for two minutes.
  4. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
  5. Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.
  6. Pour in vodka. Stir to combine with mixture. Reduce by half.
  7. Pour in heavy cream. Stir well. Once simmering, turn down heat slightly.
  8. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently until spicy vodka sauce thickens. A couple minutes or so.
  9. Add drained shell pasta to saucepan.
  10. Add butter, reserved pasta water and stir until everything is well combined and saucy.
  11. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and combined.
  12. Top with fresh basil and serve.

Video

Notes

To make without vodka, simply omit or substitute with chicken/vegetable broth. Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. See details in post.