When I first heard about gluten free vodka pasta I had a very strong reaction to it. Why on earth would I want to put vodka in my dinner? However the more I saw photos of the creamy, rich sauce, the more I was sucked in.

Hook line and sinker, I had to make a delicious gluten free vodka pasta recipe, and even more, to make it vegan.

Popularised by supermodel Gigi Hadid – also known as the “Gigi Hadid vodka pasta recipe”, it features a rich and creamy tomatoey sauce, with just a splash of vodka which completely enhances the flavours.

The recipe itself is quite simple with easy to find ingredients, and with just enough kick of garlic to increase the taste (who else is a fellow garlic lover?)

Gluten Free Vodka Pasta

How Does This Vegan Vodka Pasta Work?

Vodka is a surprising ingredient, but one that works so well. It balances out the flavours of the dish, whilst adding depth.

Vodka reduces the acidity in tomato-based sauces, enhancing the sweetness and elevating the flavours. It makes the sauce less tart and more delicious.

The vodka in this pasta sauce also works as an emulsifier, blending the tomato puree beautifully with the double cream added. This gives it s beautiful creamy texture.

The alcohol in the vodka also helps draw out the flavours of the tomatoes, herbs and spices.

You do not need to worry about the vegan vodka pasta sauce being overpowering, as the heat actually evaporates the alcohol. It does bring a distinct heat, but it is certainly not the same as a stiff vodka drink or shot!

Is Vodka Gluten Free and Vegan?

If you are making this gluten free vodka pasta and wondering if vodka is gluten free, largely the answer is yes, due to the distilling methods. The distilling process is used to remove any food proteins from the vodka, even if it is made from wheat, rye or barley.

However, if you have coeliac disease or gluten intolerance can seek vodka made from potatoes, corn or grapes to be cautious. It may be safer to seek a vodka that is specifically labelled “gluten-free”.

Due to vodka being distilled from plant-based produce, it is naturally vegan. The only time to be aware vodka may not be vegan is if it is flavoured or coloured with non-vegan ingredients. This gluten free vodka pasta uses a pure vodka with no added flavours, for obvious reasons!

How To Make The Vegan Vodka Pasta Sauce

With a few simple ingredients, this rich, creamy and tasty vodka pasta sauce is easy to make.

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan to a medium heat, then add the finely diced onion. Allow to brown slightly before adding your crushed or chopped garlic. (I add this later as I dislike burnt garlic!)
2. Once browning, add the tomato puree and stir. Allow to heat until the puree attains a richer colour. This may take around 3-4 minutes
3. Next up add the vegan double cream and stir through until all is combined
4. Then add the vodka and stir through once more, add the chilli flakes (I used 1/2 tsp – maybe you like more or less) I like my vegan spicy vodka pasta with a medium heat.
5. Now leave this sauce to simmer on a low heat for around 15 minutes. This will ensure the sauce becomes rich and creamy, and importantly that the vodka evaporates. Stir regularly.
6. Whilst this is simmering, cook the gluten free pasta as per instructions.
7. Once cooked, drain, but retain 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
8. Add this 1/4 cup of pasta water alongside 1 tbsp of dairy free butter to the sauce – stir it all together
9. Simmer the sauce for a couple more minutes, then stir through the cooked gluten free pasta.
10. Serve this delicious gluten free vodka pasta with some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top. A shaving of parmesan cheese works beautifully also!

If you love garlic bread with your pasta dishes, check out our Dairy Free Garlic Butter to lather on a gluten free baguette!

How to Store This Gluten Free Vodka Pasta Recipe

This gluten free vodka pasta is best eaten fresh, like most recipes! However you can store it to use later.

Leave to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up two days. The pasta and sauce will harden slightly in the fridge, so add 1/2 tsp of water when reheating, whether in the microwave or in the pan.

This gluten free vodka pasta recipe is also fine to freeze, for up to six months. Again, store in an airtight container and make sure to label it. Trust me, I often forget to label my frozen food, promising myself I will remember what it is and then don’t!

Ensure there is enough space for the food to expand in the freezer and that the container is freezer safe. You could also freeze in a freezer bag, just remove any excess air before sealing the bag.

You can also batch freeze the gigi hadid vodka sauce and is a great way to have a ready made sauce for an easy meal in the future.

Ensure to thaw the gluten free vodka pasta or the vodka pasta sauce in the fridge overnight, and ensure it is heated thoroughly when reheating.

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