10+ Homemade Pasta Recipes You’ll Love to Try
Homemade pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting meal that you can make right in your own kitchen. Creating your own pasta from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients, but also offers a unique cooking experience that is both rewarding and fun. You’ll discover that making pasta can be simple and satisfying, with just a few basic ingredients.
In this article, you will explore various homemade pasta recipes that cater to all skill levels. From classic egg pasta to delicious variations, you’ll find options that suit your taste and dietary preferences. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start crafting your perfect pasta!
1) Flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt for simple pasta
Making simple pasta is quick and fun! You only need four ingredients: flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt.
Start with all-purpose flour. Use about 2 cups (250 grams) for a good texture. Then, add a pinch of salt for flavor.
Next, crack two large eggs into the flour. Mix them together until a dough forms. A splash of olive oil adds richness and makes the dough easy to work with.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Then, roll it out to your desired thickness and cut it into your favorite pasta shapes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
- Add eggs and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut into shapes.
2) Use a stand mixer for a quick dough
Using a stand mixer can save you time and effort when making pasta dough. Start by adding your ingredients, like flour and eggs, to the mixing bowl.
Attach the flat beater and mix on a low speed for about 30 to 60 seconds. If the dough seems dry, add a little water.
Next, switch to the dough hook. Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
This method helps you achieve the perfect texture without much hand-kneading.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
Cooking Instructions
- Place flour, eggs, and salt in the stand mixer bowl.
- Mix with the flat beater on low speed for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add water if the dough is too dry.
- Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 to 10 minutes.
3) Try pasta all’uovo for traditional egg pasta
Pasta all’uovo, or egg pasta, is a classic choice for homemade pasta. This recipe gives you a silky, rich texture that pairs well with many sauces. It’s simple and requires just a few ingredients.
To make pasta all’uovo, you will need flour and eggs. Use about 100 grams of flour for each medium egg. The combination gives you a perfect dough every time.
Once you have your dough ready, roll it out thinly. You can cut it into various shapes like tagliatelle or pappardelle. Fresh egg pasta cooks quickly, usually just 2-4 minutes in boiling water.
Ingredients
- 100 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1 medium egg (50-55 grams)
Cooking Instructions
- Place the flour on a clean surface and make a well in the center.
- Add the egg to the well.
- Mix the flour into the egg until combined.
- Knead the dough until smooth.
- Roll out and cut into desired shapes.
- Cook in boiling water for 2-4 minutes.
4) Knead until the dough is smooth and pliable
To make great homemade pasta, kneading the dough is important. Start by pressing the dough with the heel of your hand. Fold it over and turn it, repeating this process.
Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. If the dough feels dry, you can add a little water to help it come together.
When you’re finished, form the dough into a ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making rolling easier later.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (more for dusting)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, make a well in the flour.
- Crack the eggs into the well.
- Mix the eggs and flour with your hands.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Wrap and let the dough rest.
5) Roll out pasta with a machine or by hand
You can roll out your pasta dough using a machine or by hand. If you have a pasta maker, it can make the job easier. Start by feeding small pieces of dough through the machine, adjusting the settings to get the thickness you want.
If you prefer to roll by hand, use a rolling pin. Dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Roll the dough evenly until it’s about 1/16 inch thick.
With both methods, cut the pasta into your desired shape. Whether using a machine or rolling by hand, take your time to get it just right for delicious results!
Ingredients
- Flour
- Eggs
- Salt
- Water (if needed)
Cooking Instructions
- Mix flour, eggs, and salt in a bowl.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
- Wrap the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough with your chosen method.
- Cut the pasta and cook it in boiling water.
6) Add spinach for a colorful twist
Adding spinach to your homemade pasta not only enhances its color but also boosts its nutrition. Spinach pasta is rich in vitamins and adds a fresh flavor to your dishes.
To make spinach pasta, simply blend fresh spinach into your dough. Start with about one cup of rinsed and cooked spinach. Mix it in with your flour and eggs.
You can use this vibrant dough to create various pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or lasagna noodles. Your meals will look and taste amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- Cook spinach until soft; cool and drain.
- Blend spinach until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Make a well in the flour and add eggs and spinach.
- Knead dough until smooth.
- Roll out and cut into desired shapes.
7) Experiment with semolina flour for texture
Using semolina flour can greatly improve the texture of your homemade pasta. It gives the pasta a heartier bite, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Mixing semolina with “00” flour creates a nice balance. The semolina adds strength, while the “00” flour helps achieve a silky finish.
You can try different ratios to find what you like best. For a firmer pasta, increase the semolina flour. For a softer pasta, use more “00” flour.
This experimentation will help you discover your perfect pasta texture.
Ingredients
- 300 grams (about 2½ cups) of “00” pasta flour
- 50 grams (about 5 tablespoons) of semolina flour
- 3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- Combine flours and salt in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center and add eggs.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut as desired.
- Cook in boiling water (212°F or 100°C) for 2-3 minutes.
8) Include herbs for aromatic flavor
Adding herbs to your pasta is a great way to enhance its flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme can really brighten up your dish. You can mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Try using herb-infused oils to give your pasta a delightful taste. Garlic, oregano, and rosemary are excellent choices. They work well in sauces or directly on your pasta.
For a stronger flavor, chop the herbs finely. This helps release their oils and aromas. You can also use dried herbs, but fresh will give you the best results.
Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme)
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Select your herbs and chop them finely.
- Mix the herbs into your pasta dough.
- For sauces, add garlic and herbs to olive oil in a pan.
- Cook your pasta and toss it with the herb mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9) Use a pasta roller for even thickness
Using a pasta roller helps create sheets with consistent thickness. This makes cooking simpler, as the pasta cooks evenly.
Start with your dough flattened into a disc. Set the pasta roller to the widest setting. Feed the dough through the machine a few times. Each time, reduce the setting to create thinner sheets.
You can roll it through the pasta roller several times to achieve your desired thickness. Aim for a thickness of about 1/16 inch or 1.5 mm for great results.
For extra ease, dust the dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Using a roller ensures that your homemade pasta is perfect for various dishes.
Ingredients
- Fresh pasta dough
- Flour for dusting
Cooking Instructions
- Flatten the dough into a disc.
- Set the pasta roller to the widest setting.
- Feed the dough through the roller multiple times.
- Gradually decrease the setting for desired thinness.
- Dust with flour as needed to avoid sticking.
10) Classic Ravioli with Ricotta Stuffing
Classic ravioli filled with ricotta is a delicious and comforting dish you can easily make at home. The creamy filling pairs well with your favorite sauce, making it a hit for any meal.
For the filling, combine fresh ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and a splash of lemon juice. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheese. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for extra taste.
To make the pasta, roll out your dough until thin and cut into squares. Spoon the ricotta mixture onto half of the squares and cover with the other half. Seal the edges with a fork to keep the filling inside.
Cook the ravioli in boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes or until they float. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Pasta dough
Cooking Instructions
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Roll out pasta dough thinly and cut into squares.
- Place filling on one half of each square.
- Then, fold and seal the edges with a fork.
- Next, boil salted water and cook ravioli for 3-4 minutes.