Description
Homemade Pasta Dough is the foundation of countless comforting and delicious meals, bringing the simple pleasure of fresh, tender pasta to your plate. The combination of just a few basic ingredients—flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil—creates a silky, pliable dough that transforms into delicate strands of tagliatelle, pillowy ravioli, or perfectly rolled lasagna sheets. There’s something undeniably special about making pasta from scratch; it’s both an art and a tradition that results in something infinitely more satisfying than store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour or “00” flour (for a silkier texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk (for extra richness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Form a Flour Well: On a clean surface or in a large mixing bowl, make a mound with the flour. Create a well in the center.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack the eggs into the well, add the extra yolk, salt, and olive oil.
- Mix Slowly: Using a fork, gradually whisk the eggs, incorporating a little flour at a time from the edges until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir with a fork, start kneading by hand. Work the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30-45 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Roll and Shape the Pasta:
- Divide the Dough: Cut the dough into smaller sections for easier rolling.
- Flatten the Dough: Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out each section to your desired thickness (usually 1-2mm for most pasta types).
- Shape the Pasta: Depending on your preference:
- Fettuccine or Tagliatelle: Cut into strips using a sharp knife or pasta cutter.
- Lasagna Sheets: Cut into wide rectangles.
- Ravioli: Use a filling of your choice and seal between two pasta sheets.
- Pappardelle: Cut into thick ribbons.
- Dust with Flour: Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Fresh pasta cooks quickly, usually in 2-4 minutes. Drain and serve with your favorite sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220-250 kcal