Homemade Pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh Pasta Dough)
“Learn how to make homemade pasta from scratch with this easy dough recipe—perfect for fettuccine, spaghetti, ravioli, and more!”
There’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of homemade pasta. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create silky, tender pasta that outshines anything from a box. Whether you’re making fettuccine, spaghetti, or ravioli, this foolproof fresh pasta dough recipe will guide you to pasta perfection.
🍝 Why Make Pasta from Scratch?
- Better taste & texture – Fresh pasta is soft, silky, and absorbs sauce beautifully
- Customizable – Choose your shape, thickness, and flour blend
- Simple ingredients – Just flour, eggs, and a little love
- Satisfying & fun – Rolling and shaping pasta is a rewarding hands-on experience
🛒 Ingredients (For 2–4 servings)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or use 1 cup all-purpose + 1 cup semolina flour)
- 3 large eggs
- Optional:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for a smoother dough)
📝 Tip: For egg-free pasta, substitute with water and a touch of olive oil.
👨🍳 How to Make Homemade Pasta Dough
Step 1: Make a Flour Well
On a clean surface or large bowl, pile the flour into a mound. Make a deep well in the center and crack in the eggs.
Step 2: Mix & Knead
Use a fork to gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating flour from the sides. Once a shaggy dough forms, use your hands to knead.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water. If it’s sticky, dust with a bit more flour.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes rolling easier.
🍽️ Rolling & Shaping the Pasta
Option 1: Rolling by Hand
Cut the dough into 2–4 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Option 2: Using a Pasta Machine
Start at the widest setting and run the dough through 2–3 times. Fold in half each time. Gradually move to thinner settings until you reach your desired thickness.
✂️ Cutting the Pasta
Once rolled:
- Fettuccine / Tagliatelle: Roll up the sheet and slice into ribbons
- Spaghetti: Use the spaghetti cutter on your pasta machine
- Ravioli: Cut into squares and fill with your favorite filling
- Lasagna sheets: Cut into rectangles
Dust cut pasta with flour or semolina to prevent sticking.
💧 Cooking Fresh Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the fresh pasta and cook for 2–3 minutes or until al dente.
Drain and toss immediately with your favorite sauce.
🍅 Sauce Pairing Ideas
- Tomato basil marinara for spaghetti
- Creamy Alfredo for fettuccine
- Brown butter and sage for ravioli
- Garlic olive oil (aglio e olio) for linguine
- Classic Bolognese for tagliatelle
❄️ How to Store Homemade Pasta
- Fridge: Fresh pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freezer: Freeze in nests or layers between parchment paper for up to 2 months
- Drying: Hang on a pasta rack and dry completely, then store in a dry container
✅ Final Thoughts
Once you learn how to make fresh pasta at home, you’ll never want to go back to boxed noodles. It’s easier than it looks, tastes better, and makes every meal feel special. Whether you're cooking for your family or impressing guests, homemade pasta brings warmth and authenticity to the table.
Tried this recipe? Share your favorite pasta shape or sauce pairing in the comments below!
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