How to Make Homemade Pasta
Updated: Mar. 14, 2022
The texture and flavor of fresh pasta stands head and shoulders above the boxed stuff. Learning how to make homemade pasta requires just a rolling pin and a few ingredients.
This simple fresh pasta recipe yields delicious noodles you can cut into virtually any shape, from spaghetti to lasagna, ravioli to fettuccine. Once you learn the technique, it’s quick to make, and you can experiment with flavorings inside the dough, as well as a universe of sauces and toppings.
How to Make Homemade Pasta Dough
Prep: 15 min. + Standing
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina flour (See the difference between all-purpose flour and semolina.)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the first six ingredients. Set aside.
On a clean work surface, mix the all-purpose and semolina flours, forming a mound. Make a large well in the center. Pour the egg mixture into the well.
Step 2: Mix Together
Now the fun part: Using a fork or your fingers, gradually mix the flour mixture into the egg mixture, forming a soft, slightly sticky dough. Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then knead the dough gently five times. Divide into six portions; cover with plastic wrap. Let rest 30 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Noodles
At this point, you can roll the noodles into any shape you’d like.
Roll each ball into a 10×8-inch rectangle with a rolling pin. The thinner the better! Dust the surface lightly with flour, then roll up jelly-roll-style. Cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips for fettuccine, broader strips for lasagna or thin spaghetti noodles.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cook your noodles in salted boiling water for 1-3 minutes until al dente.
Now that your pasta is all done, it’s time to make some sauce! Choose your favorite from the different types of pasta sauce.
Homemade Pasta Dough
Go for it. Once you try homemade pasta, you're hooked. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Homemade Manicotti
These tender manicotti are much easier to stuff than the purchased variety. People are always amazed when I say I make my own noodles. My son fixed this recipe for several of his friends, and they were extremely impressed with his cooking skills. —Sue Ann Bunt, Painted Post, New York
Homemade Ravioli
I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Homemade Pasta
Try your hand at homemade pasta with this easy spinach dough. You don't need a pasta maker or other special equipment! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Homemade Fettuccine
This homemade fettuccine recipe will give you a real taste of Italy. No pasta maker required! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gnocchi with Meat Sauce
This dish from my mother-in-law is the Italian version of a meat-and-potatoes meal. I recently served it to friends who immediately wanted the recipe. —Karin Nolton, Ortonville, Michigan
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Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in about five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
