Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

This is the pasta that blew up online thanks to Gigi Hadid, and yeah it’s actually worth the hype. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and tastes like you tried way harder than you did. Perfect for a quick dinner that still feels kinda fancy.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 ounces (450 g) rigatoni pasta (or penne)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or use oil from sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
• 2/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/3 cups heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (add more if you like heat)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil (or fresh basil if you have it)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 to 1 cup pasta water (saved before draining)

Optional toppings:

Instructions

1. Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Before draining, save at least 1 cup of pasta water. Then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the whole time. You’ll see the tomato paste turn darker and thicker, that’s what you want.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it gets creamy.
4. Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir and taste, adjust the spice if you want more kick.
5. Add the parmesan, butter, and about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Mix until the sauce turns silky and glossy. If it feels too thick, add a little more pasta water.
6. Add your cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until everything is coated. The sauce should cling to the pasta, not sit at the bottom.
7. Serve right away and top with more parmesan, chili flakes, or herbs if you want.

Notes and tips

• If you want extra flavor, use oil from a sun-dried tomato jar instead of regular olive oil
• Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes richer
• Rigatoni is perfect because the sauce gets inside the tubes, but any pasta works
• Don’t skip saving pasta water, it helps the sauce stick and makes it creamy
• You can add grilled chicken if you want more protein
• Serve it with salad or garlic bread if you’re making a full dinner

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 640
Fat: 34 g
Carbs: 65 g
Protein: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg

If you make this, share it on Pinterest or Facebook and tag me so I can see how yours turned out. I love seeing your versions and twists on it.

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.