How to Make Homemade Pasta

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of pasta?

It’s the ultimate comfort food. And guess what? Making homemade pasta is way easier than you might think.

Plus, you get to control the ingredients, add extra nutrition, and even save some money while getting that fresh, homemade taste.

Must-Have Pasta Tools

The cool thing about pasta is that most types start the same way.

It’s just the shape that changes. You can roll out your dough with a simple rolling pin and use a cutter, but some shapes take a little more effort.

If you plan on making pasta often, a pasta press is a great investment.

My personal favorite is the KitchenAid pasta maker attachment.

If you already have a KitchenAid, this tool is a game-changer.

Making pasta can get a little messy.

A silicone pastry mat makes cleanup so much easier, but parchment paper works in a pinch too.

One helpful tip is to avoid wetting floury surfaces right away.

Brush off as much as possible first to keep it from turning into a sticky mess.

Drying your pasta is important too.

A pasta drying rack helps keep noodles from sticking, but if you’re making ravioli, gnocchi, or shells, stackable drying trays are a better option.

Speaking of ravioli, a ravioli tray is a lifesaver for filling and sealing pasta way faster than cutting everything by hand.

And of course, every kitchen needs a good stockpot.

A big pot with a lid helps pasta cook evenly, so it’s worth investing in a quality one.

Basic Pasta Ingredients

Flour – You’ve got options! The best choices are semolina or 00 flour, but all-purpose or even gluten-free blends work too.

Eggs – These give pasta structure and moisture.

Need an egg-free option? Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 15 minutes, and boom—you’ve got an egg replacement!

Oil – A little olive oil (or any mild-flavored oil) helps hold the dough together.

Salt – A pinch adds flavor, and don’t forget to salt your boiling water too!

Add-ins – Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Veggie powders, herbs, or spices can add a fun twist to your homemade pasta.

How to Make Homemade Pasta

Step 1: Pour two cups of flour onto your work surface and make a well in the center, like a little flour bowl.

Step 2: Crack three large eggs into the well.

Step 3: Add half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of oil, and any add-ins you’re using.

Step 4: Use a fork to gently mix the eggs without breaking the flour walls.

Step 5: Slowly start pulling in the flour as you mix until a dough forms.

And just like that, you’re on your way to fresh, homemade pasta. Ready to give it a try?

Once the dough forms, knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour.

If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water or oil.

After kneading, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and shape.

After resting, roll the dough out and cut it into your desired pasta shape.

If using a pasta machine, start on the widest setting and gradually roll it thinner.

Once shaped, you can cook it immediately in boiling salted water for just a few minutes or dry it for later use.

More Homemade Recipes From Scratch

If you like this recipe, you’ll love these other from scratch recipes too:

• Sourdough Starter – It’s so easy to make your own sourdough with these tips.
• Alfredo Sauce – 7 ingredients are all it takes to make a thick and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Pour over a bed of homemade pasta and dive right in.
• Homemade Pretzels – Quit buying the ones at the store and make your own instead!
• Bagels from Scratch – If you’re looking for an Easy Recipe for Homemade Bagels, you’ll want to give this 3 ingredient recipe for bagels a try today!
• Greek Yogurt – This Homemade Yogurt Recipe makes about 2 quarts and takes approximately 13 hours, from start to finish.