If you’re looking for a pasta dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors, this Spicy & Creamy Tomato Rigatoni is a must-try. Inspired by Gigi Hadid’s viral pasta recipe, it’s packed with rich tomato flavor, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and an irresistibly silky sauce that coats every bite of rigatoni. The Parmesan and butter add depth, making each forkful incredibly indulgent. What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to customize! Want it extra spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a protein boost? Toss in some grilled chicken or crispy pancetta. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for yourself or impressing guests, this pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. If using onions, sauté them first until soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and darken in color.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes silky and well combined.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with butter, letting it melt into the pasta for extra richness. Stir everything together.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Spicy Vodka Pasta
While Gigi Hadid made this dish famous on social media, its origins date back to Italian-American cuisine, specifically in New York City. Spicy Vodka Pasta is often associated with Carbone, a renowned Italian restaurant that serves its signature Spicy Rigatoni Vodka dish, which has gained cult-favorite status among foodies.
Vodka in pasta sauce may seem unusual, but it plays a crucial role in traditional recipes. When used, vodka helps emulsify the sauce, breaking down the fat from the cream and binding it with the tomato base to create a smooth, well-integrated texture. It also enhances the overall flavor by bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while mellowing the acidity.
However, in this version, vodka is omitted without sacrificing taste. Instead, pasta water is used to achieve a similarly smooth consistency while retaining all the rich, creamy goodness.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Silky, Creamy Texture – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter creates an ultra-luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to each bite of pasta.
- Deep Tomato Flavor – Unlike fresh tomatoes, tomato paste is concentrated, making it a powerhouse of umami flavor. Caramelizing it in olive oil enhances its richness and sweetness.
- Perfect Balance of Spice – The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat, making this dish more dynamic without being overwhelmingly spicy.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Taste – You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish. Everything in this recipe is easily found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Customizable to Your Preference – Whether you want to add protein, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different pasta shapes, this dish can be tailored to your liking.
How to Elevate This Dish
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are several ways to enhance and personalize it:
1. Add Protein
If you want to make this pasta more filling, try adding a protein source such as:
- Grilled or Pan-Seared Chicken – A great addition for extra heartiness.
- Crispy Pancetta or Bacon – Adds a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Shrimp – Works well with the rich tomato-cream base for a seafood twist.
2. Experiment with Pasta Shapes
Although rigatoni is the most commonly used pasta for this dish due to its ridged texture (which holds onto the sauce well), you can also try:
- Penne – A great alternative with similar texture.
- Fettuccine or Tagliatelle – If you prefer a long pasta option.
- Gnocchi – For an extra indulgent and hearty version.
3. Enhance the Flavor with Extra Ingredients
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Basil – A fragrant herb that complements the rich, creamy base.
- Roasted Garlic – A slightly sweeter and more complex flavor than regular garlic.
4. Make It Vegan
For a plant-based version, simply swap out the dairy ingredients:
- Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Use vegan butter to maintain the richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results, here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not Cooking the Tomato Paste Properly
- The key to deep flavor is to let the tomato paste caramelize for at least 3-4 minutes in olive oil before adding the cream. If you skip this step, the sauce may taste too acidic.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan
- Always grate fresh Parmesan instead of using store-bought shredded or powdered versions. Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly and has a much richer taste.
- Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water
- Pasta water is essential to creating the right consistency. It helps loosen the sauce while also adding flavor due to its starch content.
- Overcooking the Pasta
- Always cook pasta al dente since it continues to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold the sauce well.
Serving Suggestions
While this pasta is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy and buttery companion.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables – Such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
For drinks, a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Spicy & Creamy Tomato Rigatoni is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this dish is:
✔️ Easy to make – No complicated techniques required.
✔️ Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust spice levels, add proteins, or make it vegan.
✔️ Irresistibly creamy and flavorful – A perfect blend of cheese, tomato, and spice.
Conclusion:
The Gigi Hadid Pasta, or Spicy & Creamy Tomato Rigatoni, has earned its place as a viral favorite for a reason it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, this pasta dish is sure to impress.
With a few tweaks and customizations, you can make it your own while still enjoying the signature creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness that makes it so addictive. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite go-to pasta recipe! 🍝✨