Veganized Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe

Attention, vegans: We're bringing you a plant-based twist on the famed Gigi Hadid pasta, an Italian-style spicy vodka sauce creation shared countless times on social media. Crafted with pasta, sauteed red onion, and minced garlic in olive oil, the real magic unfolds with a rich combination of tomato paste, vodka, and unsweetened coconut milk in place of the classic dairy ingredients. The creaminess is heightened by the addition of vegan butter, while nutritional yeast and red pepper flakes inject a welcome savory depth and spicy kick. 

Wellness coach and recipe developer Miriam Hahn brings us this recipe and says, "I love taking trending recipes from social media and making them vegan. This version is so delicious, even non-vegans will love it." Indeed, this plant-based dish caters to the ever-growing demand for diverse and delicious vegan meal options, yet it upholds the classic pasta alla vodka flavors most everyone seems to know and love. Whip up this easy and delicious pasta in under 30 minutes and start another grocery list — you're going to want to add this to your regular rotation of easy weeknight dinners.

To make this recipe, you can start by picking up some pasta. "I'm using a shell-shaped pasta, but any pasta will work here, ranging from a standard spaghetti to a thicker rigatoni," Hahn shares. You'll need just a few things from the produce department: red onion, garlic, and fresh basil as an optional topping. For the sauce, pick up tomato paste, coconut milk, vodka, nutritional yeast, and vegan butter. Check your pantry for olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Cook pasta according to package instructions, and reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water before draining.

Meanwhile, add oil to a large frying pan over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.

Add tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.

Stir in the vodka, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the cooked pasta, ¼ cup reserved pasta water, butter, salt, and red pepper flakes. Toss until everything is combined and the butter has melted.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, for 1 more minute. Add the remaining pasta water to thin out the sauce, if desired.

Serve warm and topped with fresh basil, if desired.

If you want to add some vegetables to this pasta for a burst of nutrients and color, you could throw in mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and spinach, just to name a few. "Add them to the frying pan when you're cooking the red onion, Hahn advises. That way, "you don't need to worry about involving another pot to clean." You can also make this dish more filling by incorporating plant-based protein sources like chickpeas, white beans, cooked lentils, or seared tofu cubes. Stir these into the finished pasta just before serving.

Coconut milk adds richness and a slight sweetness to this dairy-free pasta, but you could substitute it with soy milk, almond milk, or flax milk instead. Or, if you prefer to use something homemade, blend ½ cup cashews with 1 cup water and use that for the creamy addition. For cheesiness, vegan Parmesan works in place of nutritional yeast.

Craving a simpler adaptation? Fresh herbs are an easy way to add an extra layer of vibrant flavor. In addition to basil, try Italian parsley, fresh oregano, or thyme. And if you want to avoid using alcohol in this dish, simply use lemon juice, vinegar, or broth in place of the vodka.

As you may have guessed, any type of bread will pair nicely with this Gigi Hadid pasta. Sourdough, French bread, or a multi grain loaf are all fantastic options. Whatever you use, you'll find it's very nice to have bread handy to dip into the extra sauce. A side of bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze is a tasty addition to this meal, too.

To go a different direction, you could serve a fresh green salad with a variety of crisp lettuces, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette. Other appealing accompaniments are Caesar salad, Greek salad, or an herby tabbouleh salad. The lightness of these sides provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Craving something cozier? Why not roast a medley of seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini, with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful and nutritious addition? Or, grilled or roasted artichokes add a unique texture and earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta.