Spicy Vodka Pasta

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 3, 2025

Featured in: Dinners

Spicy Vodka Pasta combines the rich creaminess of traditional Italian vodka sauce with an exciting kick of heat, making it a deeply satisfying dinner option. Inspired by the viral Gigi Hadid pasta, this dish balances bold flavors with a velvety texture, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The sauce is indulgent yet approachable, highlighting fresh ingredients like garlic and red onion, softened in butter before simmering with tomato paste and vodka. Tossed with tender orecchiette and finished with parmesan and basil, it’s a stunning bowl of comfort with a spicy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick dinners.
Creamy, spicy, and full of rich tomato and parmesan flavor.
A delicious twist on a popular classic with easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

Orecchiette pasta: Half a pound of orecchiette, chosen for its cup-like shape that holds sauce beautifully.
Butter: Four tablespoons add richness and help soften the aromatics without burning.
Small red onion: Finely diced for sweetness and texture, building the flavor base gently.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavors.
Garlic cloves: Six cloves thinly sliced or minced, providing a fragrant punch and depth.
Tomato paste: Half a cup to impart concentrated tomato flavor and deepen sauce color.
Vodka: Quarter cup added to deglaze and elevate flavors with subtle warmth.
Red pepper flakes: One and a half teaspoons for balanced spicy heat.
Heavy cream: Two cups to create the luscious, silky sauce texture.
Reserved pasta water: Quarter cup to loosen the sauce and help bind it to pasta.
Fresh grated parmesan cheese: One cup mixed in plus extra for garnishing, adding umami and creaminess.
Fresh basil leaves: For serving, adding brightness and aromatic herbaceous notes.

Instructions

Cook pasta to al dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to package instructions until just al dente. Salting the water generously helps season the pasta from within and enhances the final flavor.
Melt butter and soften onions: Warm butter over medium-low heat in a deep sauté pan, then add the diced red onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops sweetness and builds a flavor base for the sauce.
Add garlic and release aroma: Stir in the sliced or minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, intensifying the sauce’s aromatic profile without bitterness.
Incorporate tomato paste and deepen flavor: Mix in the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it darkens in color, about 5 minutes. This concentrates the tomato flavor and caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a richer sauce.
Deglaze with vodka: Carefully pour in the vodka and let it cook for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while infusing the sauce with a subtle warmth and enhancing the overall depth.
Simmer with cream and spices: Add the heavy cream and red pepper flakes, then stir well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This creates the signature creamy texture and balanced heat of the dish.
Toss pasta with sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add the cooked pasta and reserved water to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to each bite.
Finish with parmesan cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated, adding savory richness and a velvety finish to the sauce.
Serve garnished and enjoy: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness and visual appeal.

You Must Know

Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for mild to fiery heat.
Ensure vodka fully cooks off to avoid harsh alcohol taste.
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to restore sauce creaminess without separating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Professional Tips

Use orecchiette or similarly shaped pasta to trap more sauce in every bite.
Low and slow cooking of onion and tomato paste enhances sweetness and umami.
Careful seasoning with salt during each stage builds layered flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta instead of orecchiette?: Yes, other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they hold the sauce nicely.
Is the vodka flavor strong in this pasta?: No, the vodka cooks off, leaving a subtle depth without a harsh alcohol taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?: To make vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
How spicy is this dish?: The heat comes from red pepper flakes and is moderate; adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?: Yes, you can make the sauce in advance, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?: Dried basil can be used but fresh basil provides a brighter flavor and is recommended for garnish.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?: Yes, the starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta more effectively.