Though making homemade pasta can seem intimidating at first, you’ll be delighted to discover that it’s a super easy process– especially since my pasta recipe only uses 4 simple ingredients, and doesn’t require a pasta machine or any other fancy equipment.
Nothing compares to the texture and flavor of pasta made from scratch. With this simple homemade pasta recipe, you’ll think you’re at nonna’s kitchen in the Italian countryside, enjoying each bite and twirl of the deliciously chewy pasta that you made yourself!
Why Make Homemade Pasta?
I’ve been asked this question many times. Why spend the extra time and effort to make pasta from scratch, when you could just buy boxed pasta from the supermarket? And the answer is– for many reasons!
For the Flavor
If you’ve ever tasted freshly made pasta before, then you know how insanely delicious it is. The texture and flavor of homemade pasta is incomparable to the boxed stuff. Homemade pasta will elevate any pasta dish you make from home with its tender texture and rich flavor.
For the Nutritional Benefits
When you make pasta from scratch, you get to control the ingredients that go into it. Most pastas on the supermarket shelf are made from low-quality flour and contain unnecessary additives. By making pasta at home, you can source ingredients that are high-quality and nutritious– like pasture-raised eggs, organic, un-enriched flour, and single-origin olive oil.
To Feel Connected to Your Food
One of the best parts of cooking from scratch is feeling connected to the food you eat. You will feel a greater appreciation for the pasta dish in front of you when you take the time to make your own. Plus, you’ll feel a great sense of joy when you serve it up to your family and friends.
Is Homemade Pasta Hard to Make?
Making homemade pasta can seem like a difficult process if you’ve never done it before, but rest assured, it’s way easier than you think! Making pasta from scratch is a simple process that involves minimal ingredients, and just a little extra effort.
My homemade pasta recipe is made with ingredients you likely already have at home, and doesn’t require a pasta machine or cutter (but if you have one, feel free to use it!). All you need is a rolling pin and a good knife.
So what are you waiting for?! Let’s get started.
Homemade Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 & ½ cups flour (300 grams)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp sea salt
How to Make Pasta From Scratch
1. On a clean surface or in a large mixing bowl, create a well with the flour. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt.
2. Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour, starting from the center and working your way outwards. At this point you can add in the olive oil if desired.
3. Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it until it forms a smooth and elastic ball. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water, one tbsp at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Once the dough is formed, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
5. After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions. Take one portion and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
6. If you have a pasta machine, pass the dough through the machine, starting at the widest setting and gradually decreasing the thickness until you reach your desired thickness. If you don’t have a pasta machine, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to desired thickness. Cut the pasta dough with a knife or pasta cutter into your desired pasta shape, dusting with flour as you cut to prevent sticking.
7. Once it is all cut, you can cook it immediately in a pot of boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta.
8. Drain the pasta and serve with your favorite recipe!
Common Questions & Answers
What Type of Flour Should I Use?
One of the best parts of making homemade pasta from scratch is experimenting with different textures, shapes, and flavors. Personally, I love using all-purpose flour for a silky and tender texture, but you can also use wheat flour, bread flour, or 00 flour!
What Shape Should I Cut the Pasta?
When it comes to cutting pasta, you can keep it simple or get as creative as you’d like! Some simple pasta shapes include tagliatelle, fettuccine, pappardelle, and more– which simply require you to cut the pasta in long strips with various widths. But other fun pasta shapes to experiment with include orecchiette, penne, and gnocchi-shaped!
Homemade Pasta Dough
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 & 1/2 cups flour (300 grams)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- On a clean surface or in a large mixing bowl, create a well with the flour. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt.
- Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour, starting from the center and working your way outwards. At this point you can add in the olive oil if desired.
- Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it until it forms a smooth and elastic ball. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water, one tbsp at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Once the dough is formed, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
- After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions. Take one portion and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin until it's about ¼ inch thick.
- If you have a pasta machine, pass the dough through the machine, starting at the widest setting and gradually decreasing the thickness until you reach your desired thickness. If you don’t have a pasta machine, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to desired thickness. Cut the pasta dough with a knife or pasta cutter into your desired pasta shape, dusting with flour as you cut to prevent sticking.
- Once it is all cut, you can cook it immediately in a pot of boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta.
- Drain the pasta and serve with your favorite recipe!
Want to Learn How to Make More Food Staples From Scratch?
Once you start swapping premade food staples for healthier, homemade alternatives– you won’t ever go back! There is nothing better than creating wholesome meals for your family and friends that are nourishing and delicious! Which is why I created a recipe guide full of healthier, from-scratch versions of your favorite kitchen staples that you and your family will love. Grab a copy today, and fill your kitchen with delicious and simple recipes just like this one!
Did you make my homemade pasta dough recipe? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: