From Scratch to Plate: How To Make Homemade Pasta

Making homemade pasta is a simple way to elevate your favorite dishes. Discover
how to make pasta dishes from scratch using simple tools and ingredients.

Making pasta from scratch brings incredible satisfaction and amazing taste to your
kitchen. Fresh homemade pasta has a tender texture and rich flavor that store-
bought pasta simply cannot match. And best of all, you only need a few basic

Content ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Follow along to discover
how to make homemade pasta and create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress
your family and friends.

Mix Together Your Ingredients
The foundation of any homemade pasta starts with two simple ingredients: flour and
eggs. All-purpose flour is a solid choice for pasta-making beginners, although
semolina or double-zero flour are also recommended choices.
Incorporate your ingredients together by pouring your flour of choice onto a clean
surface or into a large bowl, and then make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into
the well and begin to mix them with a fork, slowly bringing in flour from the sides.
Add extra flour or liquid to your dough if necessary to achieve the ideal texture.

Knead and Stretch Your Dough
Turn your rough dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading with the
heel of your hand. Push the dough away from you, fold it over itself, give it a quarter
turn, and repeat this motion. Continue kneading for about 8 to 10 minutes until the
dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Wrap the kneaded dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for
at least 30 minutes up to two hours. This resting period allows the gluten to relax,
making the dough much easier to roll out later.

Roll Your Dough Flat
Divide your rested dough into equal pieces and keep the unused portions covered to
prevent drying. Flatten one piece with your hands, then roll it out with a rolling pin or
use a pasta roller. If you have a stand mixer, a pasta roller attachment is a must-
have mixer accessory—it makes this step quicker and more even. Fold the dough in
half and run it through again, repeating this process two or three times to create a
smooth sheet.

Cut and Shape Your Pasta
Fresh pasta sheets can be cut into many different shapes depending on your
preference. Methods for cutting your homemade pasta can vary, such as by hand or
relying on your stand mixer attachment. Before feeding your pasta sheets into a

pasta machine, sprinkle some flour on the dough to prevent it from sticking. Freshly
cut pasta can be cooked right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Cook Your Homemade Pasta
The process of cooking your homemade pasta is incredibly similar to cooking pasta
from a box. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding
your fresh pasta. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, usually taking only
two to four minutes, depending on thickness.

Once you have drained the pasta, pair it with simple sauces like pesto, alfredo, or a
light lemon butter sauce. You can also add your fresh pasta to hearty dishes like
minestrone soup for extra richness and texture that transforms the entire meal.
Making homemade pasta from scratch transforms a simple meal into something
special and memorable. The process becomes easier and faster with practice, and
you can experiment with different shapes and flavors once you master the basics.
Start with this simple recipe, and soon, you’ll be making pasta from scratch
whenever you crave a fresh, satisfying homemade dish.