Name: Gigi Hadid Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti (or preferred long pasta); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 6–8 fresh sage leaves; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Zest of 1 lemon; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional garnish: sliced scallions or chopped parsley; Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms

I love this dreamy and indulgent pasta inspired by Gigi Hadid’s famous creation—rich, creamy, and scented with fragrant herbs and spices. It’s a cozy comfort-food dish that feels luxe yet comes together in about 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this dish blends silky creaminess with bright lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and the bold flavors—sage, chili, Parmesan—come together beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to elevate with a simple protein or veggie add-in.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh sage leaves
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes, crushed
• Lemon zest (from a fresh lemon)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: sliced scallions or chopped parsley for garnish
• Optional add-in: cooked chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms

directions

I begin by cooking the pasta in a pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente. I reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, I melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I add fresh sage leaves and let them crisp up for about 1–2 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. I sauté just until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer it for about 3–4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and infuse with sage and garlic flavors.
I add the lemon zest, stirring it into the sauce so the citrus notes brighten it up.
I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese little by little until the sauce becomes silky and cohesive. If the sauce feels too thick, I whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches my desired consistency.
I toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until every strand is coated in the luxe sauce. Seasoning with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper gives it the perfect balance.
I serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest, chopped parsley or scallions, and a sprinkling of Parmesan for that extra touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Add protein: I often toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms to bulk it up.
Greens upgrade: I’ll wilt spinach, arugula, or baby kale into the sauce for color and nutrients.
Cheese swap: I sometimes mix in Pecorino Romano or fontina for a richer flavor.
Heat boost: I add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if I’m in the mood for spice.
Zesty twist: A splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving gives it extra brightness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just stir in a bit of liquid and cover to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream?

I sure can—half‑and‑half lightens the sauce slightly, though it won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Is this recipe okay without sage?

Absolutely. I can omit sage or swap it with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavor.

Can I make it dairy‑free?

Yes—I substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan Parmesan. The flavors shift a bit, but it’s delicious.

How can I bulk it up for leftovers?

I’ll add cooked protein like chicken or shrimp, or fold in greens like spinach to stretch it further.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely—I can make the base sauce (without pasta) up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then reheat and add freshly cooked pasta when ready.

Conclusion

Gigi Hadid Pasta is one of my favorite dishes when I want creamy indulgence with a touch of sophistication. I love how it comes together so quickly and how versatile it is—easy to dress up with protein, greens, or more cheese. It’s a meal that always hits the spot.