Viral TikTok Recipe: Bella Hadid Pasta
If you’re in the mood for a quick, luxurious pasta dish that packs flavor and texture, look no further than the Bella Hadid Pasta, made famous by TikTok! This delicious recipe has been making the rounds on social media, captivating food lovers with its simplicity and elegance. It’s the perfect combination of crispy prosciutto, nutty pine nuts, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan—making it a pasta dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a date night or just want a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Here’s how to recreate this viral sensation at home.
Ingredients for Bella Hadid Pasta
To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti – The foundation of the dish. You can use other pasta shapes, but spaghetti is classic.
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Divided for different stages of cooking.
- ¼ cup pine nuts – Adds a toasty, nutty flavor and crunch.
- 1 shallot, minced – For a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 small head garlic (about 8 to 10 cloves), thinly sliced – A key ingredient for rich, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper – For a hint of heat.
- 2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced – Brings a salty, crispy texture to the dish.
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- ½ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese – Creamy and salty, it forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves – Adds a fresh, aromatic element to balance the richness.
- Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish – Because you can never have too much Parmesan!
How to Make Bella Hadid Pasta
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (typically about 8-10 minutes). Before draining the pasta, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will help bind the sauce and make it extra creamy. Drain the spaghetti, toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and set it aside, covered, to keep it warm.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and stir them frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden and give off a toasty aroma. Be careful not to burn them! Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set them aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
3. Cook the Shallots and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallots and sliced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook until softened and lightly browned—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid overcooking the garlic, which can become bitter if burned.
4. Crisp Up the Prosciutto
Add the crushed red pepper and the last tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, followed by the thinly sliced prosciutto. Spread the prosciutto out in a single layer and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it crisps evenly.
5. Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the toasted pine nuts and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Add the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, stirring well to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce. Season the pasta with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Lastly, gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, allowing their aroma to blend into the dish. Give everything one final toss, then garnish with extra shaved Parmesan before serving.
Why You’ll Love Bella Hadid Pasta
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of olive oil, Parmesan, and pasta water creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
- Crunch and Texture: The pine nuts add an unexpected crunch, while the crispy prosciutto brings a salty crispiness that pairs perfectly with the smooth pasta.
- Freshness from Basil: The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of around 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without too much effort.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bella Hadid Pasta
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water! This starchy water is crucial for creating the creamy sauce that ties the dish together.
- Watch the garlic carefully. Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat low and stir often while cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so it’s worth grating your own for the best texture and flavor.
Looking for more easy weeknight ideas? Check out The 6 Best Easy Pasta Recipes to Cook on Busy Weeknights for quick, delicious inspiration.
More…
