Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Homemade Pasta recipe is perfect for those who don’t have a pasta machine but still want to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade noodles. The dough is easy to mix and knead by hand or using a stand mixer, and it comes together quickly. The result is fresh, flavorful pasta that cooks in just a few minutes. It’s a great base for any pasta dish, from simple buttered noodles to rich, hearty sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

420 g (3¼ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour (see Note 1 for substitutions)
4 large eggs

Directions

1. Make the Dough

Place the flour and eggs into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment.
Start mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of water. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour to achieve the right texture.

2. Knead the Dough

Once the dough starts to form a rough ball, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Tip: The dough should feel soft but firm, not too sticky or dry.

3. Rest the Dough

Remove the dough from the mixer, wrap it tightly in cling film or wax paper, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours) to allow the dough to rest.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once rested, divide the dough into four equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough as thinly as possible using a rolling pin.
Tip: You should be able to see the outline of your hand through the dough when it’s thin enough.

5. Shape the Pasta

Cut the rolled-out dough into your desired shape:
- Rectangles for lasagna
- Squares for ravioli
- Strips for tagliatelle
For tagliatelle, lightly flour the surface of the dough, roll it up loosely, and slice it into ½ cm (0.2”) wide strips.
Unroll the pasta and gently separate the strands with your fingers. Portion them onto a plate to keep them separate.

6. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pan of well-salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and return to a boil.
Simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the pasta floats to the top and is tender. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so be sure to check for doneness after just a few minutes.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding resting time)
Yield: 6 servings

Variations

Flour Substitute: If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can substitute with semolina flour for a more traditional pasta texture.
Egg-Free Option: For an egg-free version, substitute the eggs with water or olive oil and a pinch of salt. You’ll need to adjust the flour amount slightly to get the right dough consistency.
Herb-Infused Pasta: Add finely chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to the dough for a burst of flavor.
Colorful Pasta: Add spinach or beetroot puree to the dough for a colorful twist. This is especially fun for making ravioli or tagliatelle.

Storage

Storage: Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place the pasta in an airtight container or loosely covered in wax paper.
Freezing: Fresh pasta can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Lay the pasta flat on a baking sheet to freeze it first, then transfer it to an airtight bag or container. To cook, simply add the frozen pasta to boiling water without thawing.

Helpful Tips

Flour Type: If you want an authentic texture, try using semolina flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour.
Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period! Letting the dough rest helps to make it more pliable and easier to roll out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a food processor to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a food processor to mix the dough. Pulse the flour and eggs together until they form a rough dough, then knead it by hand for a few minutes.

2. Can I use this recipe for lasagna?

Absolutely! After rolling out the dough and cutting it into rectangles, you can layer it with your favorite lasagna ingredients and bake.

3. Do I have to rest the dough?

Resting the dough is essential for making it easier to roll out. If you don’t rest it long enough, the dough can shrink as you roll it.

4. How long does fresh pasta take to cook?

Fresh pasta cooks very quickly—usually in about 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness. Always check for doneness early to avoid overcooking.

5. Can I add flavorings to the dough?

Yes! You can add flavors like garlic powder, herbs, or even a bit of chili powder for a kick to the pasta dough. Just be sure to balance the flavors.

6. Can I make ravioli with this dough?

Yes! This pasta dough is perfect for ravioli. Simply roll the dough out thinly, add your filling, and seal the edges to create little pockets of deliciousness.

7. Can I use a pasta machine instead of a rolling pin?

If you have a pasta machine, feel free to use it! Just roll out the dough to the desired thickness, and your machine will help you cut it into perfect noodles.

8. How do I know when the pasta is done?

Fresh pasta will float to the top of the water when it’s cooked. Taste a strand to check for tenderness; it should be al dente.

9. Can I dry fresh pasta for later use?

Yes, you can air-dry fresh pasta for several hours and store it in an airtight container. However, it’s best when eaten fresh for the most delicious texture.

10. Can I make gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this pasta. However, gluten-free dough tends to be a bit more fragile, so handle with care.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Pasta recipe is a simple, fun, and delicious way to make fresh pasta from scratch, without needing a pasta machine. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful pasta meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make tagliatelle, ravioli, or lasagna, this easy-to-follow recipe is a great starting point for homemade pasta dishes. Enjoy your homemade creation with your favorite sauces and toppings!