Gigi Hadid’s Vegan Vodka Pasta

This popular pasta recipe, inspired by Gigi Hadid’s viral creation, has been adapted to be 100% vegan without sacrificing its creamy, rich flavor. This delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish features a luxurious tomato-vodka sauce made with plant-based ingredients. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests!

Ingredients:

• 10 oz (280g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any pasta of choice)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream (or vegan heavy cream)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp vegan butter
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomato Paste:

• Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well with the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly and become fragrant.

4. Deglaze with Vodka:

• Pour in the vodka and stir, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Let the vodka cook down for about 2-3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add the Coconut Cream:

• Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the coconut cream (or vegan heavy cream). Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
• Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.

6. Combine with Pasta:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until evenly coated.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Final Touches:

• Stir in 1 tablespoon of vegan butter for extra creaminess and richness.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more red pepper flakes or salt if desired.

8. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Optionally, drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for a finishing touch.

Tips:

• Coconut Cream Substitute: If you don’t have coconut cream, use any other plant-based cream, such as cashew cream or a vegan heavy cream substitute.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Enjoy your rich and creamy vegan vodka pasta, inspired by Gigi Hadid’s viral dish but made plant-based!