Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A plate of fresh homemade pasta with a light sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Making fresh pasta at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and a little practice, you can create silky, flavorful pasta that tastes far better than store-bought. Follow this step-by-step guide to master homemade pasta from scratch.

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Yields about 4 servings)

 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 ¾ cups all-purpose + ¼ cup semolina for texture)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer dough)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 12 tbsp water (only if needed for moisture)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. Create a Flour Well: On a clean surface or in a large mixing bowl, pile the flour and make a well in the center.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt.
  3. Mix Gradually: Using a fork, slowly whisk the eggs while incorporating the flour from the edges.
  4. Form a Dough: Once it becomes thick, use your hands to knead the dough until it comes together.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
  2. Knead for 8-10 minutes, pushing with the heel of your hand and folding over.
  3. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If too sticky, add a bit of flour; if too dry, add a few drops of water.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (this helps gluten relax for better rolling).

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Divide the dough into 2-4 smaller portions for easier handling.
  2. Use a rolling pin or pasta machine, starting at the widest setting.
  3. Gradually thin the dough, folding and rolling until it reaches the desired thickness (about 1/16 inch for fettuccine or lasagna).

Step 4: Cut the Pasta

  1. For Fettuccine or Tagliatelle: Fold the sheet into a loose roll and slice into strips.
  2. For Spaghetti: Use a pasta cutter or spaghetti attachment on a pasta machine.
  3. For Lasagna or Ravioli: Cut into sheets or squares.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add fresh pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes (fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta).
  3. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce.

Notes

Notes & Tips

 

  • Semolina flour: Adds extra bite and texture, perfect for traditional pasta.
  • Storage: Fresh pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.
  • Drying: If you want to dry pasta, hang it on a pasta rack and let it air dry for several hours.
  • Flavored pasta: Add spinach puree for green pasta or beet juice for red pasta
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes (including resting time)
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Handmade
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian