Are you tired of store-bought pasta and want to try something new? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make homemade pasta from scratch. This 4-ingredient recipe is not only easy to follow but will also yield chewy and delicious noodles every single time. So let's get started!
Homemade Pasta Recipe Ingredients
To make this delightful pasta, you will only need four simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry:
- All-purpose flour: Contrary to popular belief, you don't need special flours like 00 or semolina to make great fresh pasta. Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly, giving you chewy and bouncy noodles.
- Eggs: These add richness and moisture to the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Along with the eggs, a splash of olive oil helps the dough come together and adds a subtle hint of flavor.
- Salt: Don't forget to add salt to the dough and the pasta water for the best flavor experience.
How to Make Pasta
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making homemade pasta:
- Create a nest with the flour: Start by placing the flour in a mound on a clean work surface. Make a well in the center and gently break the eggs into it, being careful not to break the flour walls.
- Mix in the flour: Use your hands to mix the flour with the eggs, gradually incorporating it until it forms a shaggy ball of dough.
- Knead the dough: At first, the dough may seem dry, but keep kneading it for about 8-10 minutes. Eventually, it will become cohesive and smooth.
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Adjust the consistency: If the dough feels too dry, sprinkle your fingers with water while kneading. If it becomes too sticky, add more flour to your work surface.
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Let the dough rest: Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough: After the resting time, slice the dough into four equal pieces.
- Roll it out: Take one piece of dough and gently flatten it into an oval disk using a rolling pin or your hands.
- Use a pasta maker or roll it out manually: If you have a pasta maker, run the dough through the widest setting (usually level 1) three times. If not, roll out the dough according to your pasta maker's instructions.
- Optional: Fold the dough: For longer strands of pasta, fold the dough in half and roll it out again. This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Adjust thickness and repeat: Roll the dough to your desired thickness, gradually decreasing the setting on your pasta maker or rolling it thinner manually. Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces.
Homemade Pasta Serving Suggestions
Once you've made your homemade pasta, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Fresh pasta has a unique chewy texture and rich flavor that surpasses the dried pasta you find in stores. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Serve it with classic marinara sauce, pesto, homemade Alfredo sauce, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and vegan Parmesan or Parmesan cheese.
- Incorporate it into larger pasta dishes like Tagliatelle with Asparagus & Peas, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Fettuccine Alfredo, Easy Pesto Pasta, Roasted Vegetable Pasta, Linguine with Lemon and Tomatoes, or Garlic Herb Mushroom Pasta.
This homemade pasta recipe is adapted from Serious Eats, a trusted source of culinary expertise. Give it a try, and you'll be amazed at the difference fresh pasta can make in your favorite dishes. Enjoy the process of making pasta from scratch, and happy cooking!