Creamy Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

If you've been on TikTok or Instagram over the past few years, you've probably come across Gigi Hadid’s viral creamy vodka pasta. This dish took the internet by storm, and for good reason—it’s rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. With its silky tomato vodka sauce, Parmesan cheese, and tender rigatoni, it’s a restaurant-worthy meal that you can easily recreate at home.

But this version? It takes things to the next level. Instead of your typical mild heat from red pepper flakes, we’re cranking it up with Ghost Pepper Salt, adding a bold, smoky spice that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you’re a fan of spicy food and looking to elevate your pasta game, this is the dish for you.

Why is Vodka Pasta So Popular?

Creamy vodka pasta has been around for decades, but its rise to viral fame can be credited to supermodel Gigi Hadid, who shared her take on the dish via Instagram Stories. From there, it quickly spread across social media, with home cooks and foodies raving about how simple yet luxurious it was.

A quick search for creamy vodka pasta keywords will reveal just how beloved this dish is. Some of the top searches include:

• Gigi Hadid Pasta – The recipe that made it go viral.
• Spicy Vodka Rigatoni – A must-try if you love a little heat.
• Penne alla Vodka – The classic name for this dish, often served in Italian-American restaurants.
• Creamy Vodka Sauce – The rich, luscious tomato-based sauce that makes this pasta irresistible.
• Best Vodka Sauce Recipe – A highly searched phrase, proving how much people love perfecting this dish.
• Easy Vodka Pasta Recipe – Because while it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make.

What makes vodka sauce so special is its perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy richness, and a hint of spice. Add Ghost Pepper Salt, and it transforms into an unforgettable dish with a fiery twist.

What Makes This Vodka Rigatoni Recipe Different?

While the original Gigi Hadid pasta recipe is undeniably delicious, this version stands out thanks to a few key upgrades:

1. Ghost Pepper Salt for a Fiery, Smoky Kick

Most traditional vodka sauce recipes use red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, but Ghost Pepper Salt changes the game. It adds a slow-burning, smoky spice that enhances the creaminess and makes each bite even more exciting.

2. A Silky, Creamy Sauce

The combination of heavy cream, tomato paste, and butter creates an ultra-smooth, rich texture that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. The vodka helps intensify the tomato flavor without overpowering the dish.

3. Perfectly Cooked Rigatoni

Instead of penne, this recipe uses rigatoni—its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring you get the perfect balance of pasta and sauce in every bite.

4. Cold Butter for a Velvety Finish

A chef’s trick for finishing pasta sauces, adding cold butter at the end makes the sauce extra glossy and luxurious.

5. Fresh Basil for Brightness

A sprinkle of fresh basil on top cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, herby contrast.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

Rigatoni Pasta

The shape of rigatoni is ideal for vodka sauce—it holds onto the creamy sauce better than smooth pasta like spaghetti.

Ghost Pepper Salt

The secret ingredient that takes this pasta to a whole new level! Ghost Pepper Salt infuses heat without overpowering the dish, creating a complex, smoky spice that builds with every bite.

Olive Oil

Used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a fragrant base for the sauce.

Garlic and Onion

Essential for building deep, aromatic flavor. Onions add sweetness, while garlic gives it a bold, savory kick.

Tomato Paste

A concentrated tomato base that intensifies the sauce’s flavor, giving it a deep, umami-rich taste.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Used in combination with Ghost Pepper Salt for an extra layer of heat.

Vodka

You might be wondering: Why add vodka to pasta sauce? The alcohol helps enhance the tomato’s natural sweetness, adding depth without making the dish taste like alcohol. (Don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off!)

Heavy Cream

The key to the creamy, velvety texture—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the sauce incredibly luscious.

Parmesan-Reggiano

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, thickening the sauce while giving it a signature cheesy finish.

Unsalted Butter

Adding cold butter at the end gives the sauce a restaurant-quality silkiness.

Fresh Basil

A bright, fresh garnish that complements the richness of the dish.

How to Make Creamy Vodka Rigatoni with Ghost Pepper Salt

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add minced onion, garlic, and Ghost Pepper Salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

• Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomato paste darkens in color (about 3 minutes)—this deepens the flavor.
• Pour in vodka and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 3: Add the Cream

• Pour in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is completely smooth.
• Turn off the heat and set aside while you cook the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

• Turn the heat back on to medium and add ½ cup of pasta water to the sauce.
• Stir in Parmesan-Reggiano and additional Ghost Pepper Salt to taste.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

• Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and mix well.
• Stir in cold butter and toss everything vigorously for about 1 minute, until the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Why You Need to Try This Recipe

If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes but want something with a bit of heat, this Ghost Pepper Salt Creamy Vodka Rigatoni is the ultimate upgrade. It’s rich, velvety, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive meal for guests.

So, whether you're a fan of Gigi Hadid’s viral vodka pasta or just looking for a way to spice up your pasta game, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and taste the magic of creamy, spicy perfection!