Creamy Chili Oil Pasta (Gigi Hadid Inspired, Vodka-Free)

There’s something magical about a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. The kind you whip up on a weeknight when you’re craving comfort, but still want something that feels a little elevated. That’s exactly what this Creamy Chili Oil Pasta delivers — silky, spicy, deeply flavorful, and completely vodka-free.

Inspired by the viral pasta famously shared by Gigi Hadid, this version keeps all the creamy heat and bold flavor but skips the alcohol entirely. The result? A family-friendly, pantry-friendly recipe that’s rich, balanced, and absolutely irresistible.

If you’ve been searching for a creamy chili oil pasta that’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavor, this is the one. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it simmered for hours — but actually comes together in under 30 minutes.

Let’s make pasta night unforgettable.

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Why This Creamy Chili Oil Pasta Works

This recipe is all about balance:

• Creaminess from heavy cream and Parmesan
• Heat from chili flakes and chili oil
• Depth from tomato paste
• Brightness from garlic and optional fresh herbs

Unlike traditional vodka pasta, which uses alcohol to enhance tomato flavor, this version relies on properly caramelized tomato paste and chili oil to build richness and complexity. You won’t miss the vodka at all.

In fact, many people prefer this version because:

• It’s more accessible.
• It’s alcohol-free.
• It’s incredibly simple.
• It’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once warm, add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This step builds deep flavor.
4. Add red chili flakes and chili oil. Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
5. Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Add salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and incorporated.
8. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
9. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and create a glossy finish.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.

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The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Sauce

The key lies in two techniques:

1. Caramelizing the Tomato Paste

Cooking tomato paste until it darkens intensifies its natural sweetness and removes raw acidity. This replaces the depth vodka usually provides.

2. Using Pasta Water

Reserved pasta water contains starch, which emulsifies the sauce. That’s what gives you that silky, restaurant-quality coating.

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Adjusting the Spice Level

This is a spicy creamy pasta recipe — but you control the heat.

• Mild: Use ½ teaspoon chili flakes and 1 tablespoon chili oil.
• Medium: Follow the recipe as written.
• Spicy: Add extra chili flakes and finish with a drizzle of chili oil on top.

Remember, chili oil adds both heat and flavor. Choose a good-quality one for best results.

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Best Pasta Shapes for Chili Oil Pasta

While penne is the classic choice (and the one often seen in the viral TikTok pasta recipe), other shapes work beautifully:

• Rigatoni
• Fusilli
• Farfalle
• Shells

Anything with ridges or curves helps capture that creamy chili sauce.

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Variations to Try

Protein Add-Ins

• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed shrimp
• Crispy pancetta
• Italian sausage

Vegetarian Boost

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Spinach stirred in at the end
• Roasted red peppers
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Make It Lighter

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
• Use less Parmesan.
• Add extra pasta water for a lighter sauce texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chili Oil Pasta

This pasta shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Sparkling water with lemon

If serving for guests, plate it with an extra drizzle of chili oil and freshly cracked black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Add a splash of milk or cream.
• Warm gently on the stovetop.
• Stir frequently to prevent separation.

Avoid microwaving on high heat, as cream-based sauces can split.

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Why This Recipe Went Viral

The original version gained traction because it felt luxurious yet approachable. When Gigi Hadid shared her take, home cooks everywhere realized they could make a restaurant-style creamy pasta at home with simple pantry ingredients.

This vodka-free version keeps everything people loved:

• Creamy texture
• Bold chili flavor
• Quick cooking time
• Minimal ingredients

But makes it even more accessible.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Chili Oil Pasta (Gigi Hadid Inspired, Vodka-Free) is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s bold yet balanced, creamy yet spicy, indulgent yet easy.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a cozy evening or impressing guests at a casual dinner, this dish delivers every single time.

Once you try it, it might just become your go-to spicy creamy pasta recipe.