Spicy Gigi Hadid Inspired Creamy Tomato Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil, for garnish Gathering these ingredients is key to making Spicy Gigi Hadid Vodka Pasta. Start with the penne pasta. It cooks well and holds sauce nicely. The olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the garlic. Minced garlic gives a great aroma when it heats. Red pepper flakes add the spice, so use as much as you like. Next, the crushed tomatoes bring a rich taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Lemon gives brightness and balances the flavors. Lastly, salt and pepper round out the dish. Fresh basil will make it look and taste great. These ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful dish. You can adjust them to fit your taste. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer it richer? Toss in extra cream. Cooking is all about personal touch! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it as directed on the package. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta but save one cup of that starchy pasta water. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this for about 1 minute. Make sure the garlic does not brown. If it browns, it will taste bitter. You want the garlic to become fragrant and soft. Now it's time to make the sauce. Stir in one can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. After that, reduce the heat to low. Add in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well. Allow the sauce to cook for another 5 minutes. This will make it creamy. Next, add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss it well to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, use that reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice from that lemon. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is combined and creamy. To get the right heat, start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, add more flakes to your taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in. Pairing the heat with lemon juice helps balance the flavors. The citrus cuts through the creaminess and enhances the spice. If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For the best cheese, stick with Parmesan. Grated Pecorino Romano can add a nice twist. It has a stronger flavor than Parmesan, making it a good choice as well. This dish pairs nicely with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. For sides, a simple salad or garlic bread works well. When serving, think about presentation. Use a large bowl, and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. This makes it look fancy and inviting. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can always add more heat later! Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh basil adds a vibrant touch at the end. Perfect Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente so it can hold up against the creamy sauce. Leftover Sauce: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the texture. {{image_2}} You can make Spicy Gigi Hadid Vodka Pasta even more exciting with protein. Here are some options: - Chicken: Grilled or sautéed chicken adds great taste. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and add for a seafood twist. - Sausage: Use Italian sausage for a hearty bite. If you prefer vegetarian options, add chickpeas or lentils. These will boost protein while keeping the dish plant-based. Need to make this dish fit your diet? Here are some easy tweaks: - Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free penne for a safe alternative. - Vegan substitutions: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These swaps keep the creamy texture while meeting your dietary needs. Want to add extra flavor? Consider these ideas: - Vegetables: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste. - Herbs: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil. They bring a unique flavor. Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect dish! To keep your spicy Gigi Hadid vodka pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Let the pasta cool before sealing it. This helps maintain its creamy texture. For best results, eat the leftovers within three days. When you reheat the pasta, avoid using high heat. This helps keep the sauce creamy. You can use a pan or microwave. If using the microwave, add a splash of water or cream. This will prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir well to mix in the moisture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! This pasta gets its kick from red pepper flakes. They add heat without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. Start with one teaspoon, then add more if you like it spicier. The garlic also adds flavor and a bit of warmth. Together, these ingredients create a nice balance that makes each bite exciting. Yes, you can make this pasta ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the pasta stays firm, and the sauce keeps its creaminess. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and add the pasta. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. For this dish, use a good quality vodka. Brands like Tito's or Absolut work well. You don't need top-shelf vodka, but avoid cheap options. The vodka helps balance the flavors and adds depth to the sauce. Remember, you cook off most of the alcohol, so the taste will not be strong. Just a splash enhances the dish nicely. This guide covered how to make a delicious spicy pasta dish. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor and creaminess. Variations allow you to tweak the dish for different diets or preferences. Remember, storing and reheating leftovers properly keeps your pasta tasty. Enjoy your cooking journey, and feel free to experiment with flavors and textures!$

Spicy Gigi Hadid Inspired Creamy Tomato Pasta

A creamy and spicy tomato pasta dish inspired by Gigi Hadid, perfect for pasta lovers.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon zested and juiced
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and mix well. Allow the sauce to cook together for another 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword creamy, pasta, spicy, tomato