Learn how to make pasta with just three simple ingredients. Then, roll the dough into sheets and cut into your desired shape. Fresh pasta is a labor of love but worth the effort!
Recipe Science
- For tender, chewy homemade pasta, use all-purpose flour with 10-13% protein or a finer 00 flour for a softer texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil enhances pasta dough with a fruity flavor and reduces gluten formation slightly for a more tender bite.
- Rest the dough at room temperature for at least 60 minutes. Shorter rests result in less hydrated, harder-to-work dough.
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Why It Works
I first learned to make pasta during a culinary excursion in Italy. But the lessons continued when I got home, thanks to my mother-in-law, Joan. She gave me my first pasta maker and shared the secret pasta-making techniques her Italian family had perfected over the years. Their recipes haven’t let me down. Let’s just say Grandma’s meatball recipe is world-famous.
The details were a little fuzzy, as with all Italian recipes passed down through the generations. Thankfully, after testing several batches, I found the ideal measurements. This fresh egg pasta is tender and has a nice chew with a rich taste. Using a pasta roller and cutter speeds up the shaping process. However, you can also use a rolling pin to make pasta sheets. It yields thicker noodles, but it’s still delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour with a lower protein content (10-13%) for just the right amount of gluten development to hold its structure with a tender chew. Unbleached will give a more beige hue, and bleached will have a brighter white color.
- Eggs: Use large pasteurized eggs for the recipe. A combination of whole egg and yolks adds richness and tenderness. You must convert the amount added to the recipe if using a different egg size.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds the characteristic fruity flavor. It reduces some gluten formation for a more malleable dough and tender bite.
- Salt: Just a tiny amount prevents a bland-tasting pasta. Salt also helps to strengthen the gluten network, adding slightly more chewiness for an al dente texture. This is optional if you like softer sheets and strands.
See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).
Ingredient Substitutions
Now that you know how you make homemade pasta dough, try these tasty ways to switch up the fresh pasta recipe:
- Flour: Try using 00 flour (traditionally used in Italy) for its finer texture, yielding an incredible tenderness. Use gluten-free flour; I prefer Bob’s Redmill gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or King Arthur gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use whole wheat or white whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Oil: Add olive oil or flavored oil like truffle, tarragon, or hot chili oil.
- Herbs and Spices: Add dried herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Add freshly chopped basil, parsley, oregano, or tarragon to the dough. Black pepper or red pepper flakes add a kick of heat. Add lemon zest for a citrusy flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can enhance the savory taste. Add truffle salt for dimension.
- Vegetables: Add a vibrant hue and healthy nutrients to the pasta with pureed spinach, roasted red pepper, carrots, beets, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Color: The pasta can be colored naturally with vegetables, squid ink, or food dye.
How to Make Homemade Pasta
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
Create the pasta dough by adding flour to a large bowl, making a well in the center. Add the eggs, yolk, olive oil, and salt.
Beat the wet ingredients first with a fork, then gradually incorporate the flour until the dough comes together.
Pro Tip: Traditionally, pasta dough is made directly on a clean work surface. However, to make the process easier and less messy, I use a bowl instead.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Use your hands to make a rough dough ball.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes using your palms.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Form the ball into a flattened disc, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and rest at room temperature for at least 60 minutes. Note that it is essential to let the dough rest before rolling and shaping. Working with it too soon will cause the gluten network to resist, making it less pliable.
Pro Tip: I tested a 30-minute rest, but the dough wasn’t hydrated enough and was harder to work with.
Step 4: Portion the Dough
Portion the pieces of dough into four equal parts and work one piece at a time. Cover the other portions so that they don’t dry out.
Step 5: Roll Out the Pasta
Flatten the pieces into thin rectangles to fit in the widest setting on the pasta machine. Pass the dough through twice to get it thinner.
Fold the dough in half so the two ends meet in the middle and feed it through. Repeat the fold and pass through one more time.
I prefer a pasta machine as it makes rolling and shaping quick and easy. It’s worth the small investment, but a rolling pin will work if you don’t mind thicker noodles. The additional kneading by folding creates a little more chew and makes the pieces more rectangular. You can skip folding if you prefer a softer texture.
Now, pass the dough through two more times without folding. Continue to incrementally make the rollers tighter to yield thinner sheets. Each machine has different settings, so follow the manufacturer’s thickness guidelines based on the type of pasta you’re trying to make.
The process is complete when the dough is thin enough to see your hand through it—but not so thin that it can tear! The sheets become about 20 to 24 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide.
To make the sheets easier to work with, slice them in half lengthwise with a knife. You can now use these pasta sheets to make lasagna, ravioli, ribbons, or farfalle.
Step 6: Cutting Fresh Pasta
Attach the desired cutting roller to your pasta machine. Alternatively, use a chef’s knife or pizza cutter to slice the pasta into ribbons or various shapes, like farfalle, or make filled ravioli.
Experimentation Encouraged: Most pasta makers can cut the dough into fettuccine (6.5 mm) or tagliolini (1.5 mm), similar to the width of spaghetti. Additional cutters can be purchased to make vermicelli, pappardelle, linguini, and even ravioli!
Step 7: Dry the Pasta (Optional)
Transfer the cut pasta to a baking sheet lightly dusted with flour or semolina flour to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper. Cover with a lightly dampened towel to keep it soft and flexible.
Alternatively, air dry the pasta on the pan or use a pasta drying rack. I like to use the rack to keep the ribbons separate. The dried pasta will become brittle, so carefully move it when ready to use or store.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water to cook the pasta. Bring the water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. The salted water will add a flavorful, savory taste to the pasta. The cooking time is dependent on the thickness and pasta type.
Fresh pasta tends to take less time than commercial-dried pasta. Aim for al dente with some chew. If you plan to continue to cook the pasta in a marinara or meat sauce, take it out of the boiling water a few minutes early.
Cooking Guidelines for Fresh Homemade Pasta
- Tagliolini or Spaghetti (1.5 to 2 mm): About 3 to 5 minutes
- Fettucini (6.5 mm): About 6 to 8 minutes
- Pappardelle (50 mm): About 8 to 10 minutes
- Lasagna (150 mm): About 6 to 8 minutes (factoring in more time needed for casserole cooking)
- Farfalle: About 8 to 10 minutes
- Ravioli: 8 to 15 minutes (depending on size and thickness)
Tips for Perfect Execution: These cooking times are based on my homemade pasta recipe. Cook homemade pasta that has been air-dried or frozen for a few extra minutes.
How to Store Fresh Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store fresh dough or cut pasta in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Any longer, the surface will oxidize in the humid environment, turning it slightly greyish-green. The fresh eggs will also cause them to spoil and start clumping together due to the outward release of moisture, which worsens when cooking.
- Freezer: Lightly toss strands of pasta with flour to prevent sticking. Place them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Alternatively, make portioned-out 4-ounce bundles. Freeze the pasta on the pan until hardened, about 1 hour. Then, transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Dried: Lightly dust with flour and spread in a single layer on a parchment paper lined sheet pan or hang the strands on a pasta drying rack. Dry at room temperature until they can be easily snapped, about 24 to 48 hours. A fan can help speed up the process. If using a baking sheet, turn the pasta over to dry the other side if needed. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-purpose flour is the most available and affordable choice in the United States, containing about 10 to 13% protein. However, in Europe, two other varieties are commonly used. 00 (double zero) flour is ground into a super-fine texture with a similar protein content to all-purpose. The finer grind makes for a silky pasta texture. For a heartier texture, semolina flour is used, which is made from hard durum wheat. Often, a combination of the two is used, typically in equal amounts, for tenderness and more texture when bitten.
Yes! Add all of the dough ingredients to the food processor cup. Process until a rough ball forms, about 30 seconds. Add more water if dry, about ½ teaspoon at a time, or more flour if wet, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Knead on a clean work surface for 1 to 2 minutes until a smooth, elastic ball forms. Cover and rest for 1 hour before rolling and shaping.
Add the flour into the mixing bowl and make a well. Add the eggs, oil, and salt. Use the flat beater attachment to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed until a smooth, elastic ball forms, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover and rest for 1 hour.
Toss fresh pasta with a little flour or semolina to prevent sticking. When drying, place it on a sheet pan in a single layer or separate the strands on a pasta drying rack.
The greyish-green color change is due to the oxidation of iron in the egg yolks. It slightly impacts taste, but the appearance may make it unappealing to consume. It’s best to eat fresh, refrigerated pasta within 24 hours.
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, drain well and freeze for up to 1 month.
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How to Make Pasta From Scratch
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, 10 ounces
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Make the Pasta Dough – In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, egg yolk, olive oil, and salt. Use a fork to beat the wet ingredients together. When the mixture is combined, gradually incorporate the flour with the fork. Once a sticky rough dough forms, use your hands to form it into a shaggy ball. It will feel slightly dry.
- Knead the Dough – Transfer the dough and any flour bits to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough, folding it in half, then using the heel of your hand to push down and forward. Repeat the process, rotating the dough a quarter turn until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. It should feel like modeling clay.If the dough is sticky, lightly dust it with flour, gradually adding more as needed. Do not add too much, or the pasta will become tough. If it feels dry towards the end of kneading, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of water at a time.
- Rest the Dough – Form the dough into a flattened disc, about 1-inch thick. Tightly cover it with plastic wrap and rest it at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate if not used within 2 hours.The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, wrapped, and stored in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before rolling and shaping.
- Portion the Dough – Lightly dust large baking sheets with flour or line with parchment paper, and set aside. Cut the dough into four equal pieces. Work one at a time, keeping the others tightly covered.
- Roll into Sheets – First Roll: Roll the dough into a ½-inch thick rectangular shape, wide enough to fit into the pasta machine. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust it with flour. Set the pasta machine to the widest setting, then feed the dough through two times.Fold and Roll: Fold the dough in half and press to seal. Feed the dough through the machine with the open side first. Repeat the folding and feeding once more. Pass the dough through unfolded twice more until smooth.Tighten and Roll: Tighten the roller width one mark, then pass the dough through. Continue to pass through the machine, tightening the rollers one mark each time until the desired thickness is reached.Stop Rolling: The process is complete when the dough is thin enough to see your hand through but not so thin that it tears. The pasta sheet will be about 20 to 24 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide.Cut into Sheets: Cut the sheets in half to make two shorter pieces, about 10 inches long. Transfer to the baking sheets. Tightly cover with a dampened towel or plastic wrap to keep them pliable. Use these sheets to make lasagna or ravioli, or continue shaping them further.Repeat the pasta rolling process with the remaining pieces of dough.
- Cutting Fresh Pasta – Use the pasta sheets and the desired cutter attachment on the pasta machine to make shapes like tagliolini, fettuccine, or pappardelle.
- Dry the Pasta (Optional) – Lay the pasta in a single layer onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet dusted with flour, keeping strands separate or in bundles. Alternatively, hang strands on a wooden drying rack. Dry at room temperature until they snap easily, about 24 to 48 hours. The pasta will be very brittle, so be careful moving them.
- Cook the Pasta – In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 3 to 10 minutes. Cook time is dependent on size and thickness. Increase the cooking time for refrigerated, dried, or frozen pasta by a few minutes.If desired, reserve some pasta water to thicken and season sauces. Drain and toss with any sauce if applicable.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Recipe Yield: About 1 pound of pasta dough. Makes 8 lasagna sheets (about 10 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide).
- Serving Size: 4 ounces of pasta
- Hand-Cut Pasta: Lightly dust the sheets with flour to prevent sticking. Starting at the short end, gently fold the pasta sheet, creating a 2-inch wide rectangle. Use a chef’s knife to cut the desired length and thickness. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces.
- Storing: If not cooking immediately, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. For longer storage, freeze on a parchment paper-lined sheet tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month. Dried pasta can be stored for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
sean says
Got a great hack for you!😇 When the pasta is ready(to roll /cut) Take the pasta ball and just cut small pieces off it with your Kitchen Scissors!💪🏻🤯😇✌🏻👋🏻
Jessica Gavin says
I will have to try that! Sounds like a quick and easy way to cut pasta.
MadameK says
Hi Jessica, I just got an electric pasta machine and their recipes dont seem to to be very well formed. I was wondering if you might be able to give a recipe suitable for the machine that will hold its shape better and be a little firmer when it extrudes and is cooked?
It looks like your recipe might be a wholemeal or spelt pasta but that would be too heavy for the machine to extrude I think as it has a disc for making angel hair pasta. Although I could probably mill my own flour in my Thermomix to make it much finer if using your recipe (if you will share lol) any advice would be gratefully received 🙂
MadameK says
Sorry I forgot to say the recipes with it are essentially 1 cup plain flour (the cup with the machine is a little less than a std cup measure) with 60ml water 70ml maximum for the smallest serving, or 4 cups flour with 200ml water to a max of 210ml. You can substitute one egg for some water in the first recipe or two eggs for some of the water in the second largesr recipe which is maximum capacity for the machine. If using ’00’ flour you increase the water in the small recipe by 10-20ml but in the larger recipe you cannot do 4 cups flour so you use same water measures (200/210ml) with 3 cups flour and only one egg in place of some water.
It says to crack the egg in the measuring cup then add water to the right volume/level without breaking the egg/s if you choose to use them.
Im thinking of using 1/4 semolina flour plus tge rest of the cup 00 flour for my second attempt (times two) and adding two eggs, pinch of salt and 10ml olive oil and seeing how it goes… will add water by drizzle once i check appearance of the dough. Be grateful to know what do you think of this combo too?
Thanks in advance!