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Pasta Alla Vodka (without Vodka)

on Nov 16, 2024

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Pasta Alla Vodka aka Gigi hadid pasta is a creamy, vibrant dish that combines the best of tomato and cream sauces for an irresistibly rich flavor without vodka. It has a luxurious texture that clings to each noodle, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and comfort!

Also known as the Gigi Hadid pasta, this delicious pink sauce pasta is made without vodka for a delicious weeknight dinner. With its perfect balance of tomato tanginess and silky creaminess, this pink sauce pasta is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Made with simple ingredients like tomato paste, cream, a hint of garlic, and parmesan cheese, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it an easy yet elegant choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Perfectly creamy & tangy: The blend of tomato paste and cream makes a sauce that’s rich yet balanced.
Quick & easy: Comes together in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, add veggies, proteins, or different spices to make it your own.
Kid-friendly: The mild, creamy flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Looking for more comforting, tasty pasta recipes? Try our creamy garlic shrimp pasta or this Marry Me Chicken Pasta next!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this pink sauce pasta recipe so flavorful and delicious:

Dry pasta: Any pasta shape works, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the base with flavor.
Onions and garlic: Add savory depth to the sauce.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for a hint of acidity and richness, giving the sauce its beautiful pink color.
Seasonings: A mix of oregano, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, bouillon powder, salt and fresh black pepper add depth, a touch of heat, and a savory boost, giving the sauce an Italian-inspired taste with a bit of spice.
Heavy cream: The key to that creamy, luscious texture that makes pink sauce so velvety and smooth.
Pasta water: A bit of reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce while making it extra creamy.
Fresh basil leaves: The finishing touch! Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a herbaceous note that brightens the dish.

Variations and substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions to customize your pink sauce pasta to suit your tastes and dietary preferences:

Pasta alternatives: Use whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option.
Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Coconut milk also works for a dairy-free, slightly sweeter option. Keep in mind, using heavy cream will give you the richest results.
Add protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make this a more filling, protein-packed dish. Simply cook your protein separately, then stir it into the sauce at the end.
Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture, color, and nutrients. Sauté the vegetables with the onions for maximum flavor.

How to make creamy pink sauce for pasta

Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water as per package directions, cooking al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water.

Sauté onions and garlic: While pasta is cooking, heat butter in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook down for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook down for 30 seconds then stir in the tomato paste and spices.

Simmer + Add pasta to sauce : Sauté for 2-3 minutes then pour in the heavy cream, pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer then lower heat to low. Stir in the cooked drained pasta and sliced basil. Mix until fully incorporated and pasta slightly thickens (it will thicken as it rests).

Garnish: Finish with additional chopped basil and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta if you like.

Recipe Tip

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking a bit when mixed with the sauce. This keeps it from becoming too soft and helps it absorb more of the sauce.

Save the pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining! It’s full of starch, which helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta.

Use high-quality, freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has much better flavor and texture than pre-grated. It melts smoothly and adds a richer, creamier taste to the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

What makes it “pink sauce”?

Pink sauce is a blend of marinara sauce (or tomato paste) and cream, which gives it a creamy, blush-pink color. The balance between tomato acidity and creaminess creates a mild, flavorful sauce that’s a crowd favorite.

How to Make Penna Alla Vodka without Vodka

Making pasta all vodka without vodka is super easy and delicious too. To make pasta all vodka without vodka, simply swap out the vodka with pasta water!

Can I make pink sauce pasta ahead of time?

While it is best served fresh, you can make the sauce a day in advance and store it separate from the pasta. Reheat it gently, adding a little milk or cream to restore the texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Serving suggestions

Here are some delicious pairing options for a complete meal:

Garlic bread or breadsticks: Buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce. Try it with mixed greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add color, texture, and nutrients to the meal.
Grilled chicken or shrimp: For added protein, serve the pasta with grilled or baked chicken breast, shrimp, or even salmon. The flavors work wonderfully together, and it makes the meal more filling.