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Inspiration/Guides/How to make pasta
Fresh spaghetti being extruded from a pasta maker machine onto a wooden surface.

How to make pasta: fresh homemade pasta made easy

Fresh pasta is one of those small kitchen luxuries that's surprisingly easy to pull off. Making pasta from scratch is all about craft, flavour and good-quality ingredients. The best part? You're in full control of what goes into your dough and which pasta shape ends up on your plate. From a classic pasta dough recipe to making pasta with or without a machine, right through to the different types of pasta you can make — here's everything you need to know about homemade pasta.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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Why make your own pasta?

Homemade pasta isn't just a trend — it genuinely beats the store-bought stuff in a few key ways:

  • Better flavour and texture: Fresh pasta is wonderfully tender and soaks up sauce far better than dried, packaged pasta.
  • Full control over ingredients: You decide exactly what goes into the dough, with no unnecessary additives.
  • Endless variations: From wholewheat to herb, spinach, or beetroot pasta, homemade dough is easy to customise.
  • A more enjoyable cooking process: Making pasta from scratch slows you down and turns cooking into something genuinely creative.

Once you've made fresh pasta yourself, it's hard to go back to the packet stuff — the difference is night and day.

Classic pasta dough recipe (basic method)

A good pasta dough is the foundation of everything that follows. This classic recipe works for most pasta shapes, from spaghetti to ravioli.

Ingredients (serves 2–3):

  • 200g flour (00 flour or all-purpose/plain flour)
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tsp olive oil

Method:

  1. Pile the flour onto a work surface and make a well in the centre.
  2. Add the eggs, salt, and olive oil (if using) into the well.
  3. Whisk together with a fork, then bring the mixture together with your hands into a rough dough.
  4. Knead firmly for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Shape into a ball and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not sticky. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water. If it's too sticky, work in a little extra flour.

Raw, wide yellow pasta noodles dusted with flour, next to a black plate with more flour.

    How to make pasta without a machine

    You don't need a pasta machine to make fresh pasta at home, a rolling pin and a bit of patience will get you most of the way there.

    Here's how:

    • Once rested, divide the dough into smaller portions
    • Roll it out as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface
    • Cut into your desired shape

    Best pasta shapes to make by hand:

    • Tagliatelle
    • Pappardelle
    • Farfalle
    • Ravioli

    This method is especially good if you're just getting started with homemade pasta.

      How to make pasta with a machine

      A pasta machine makes the process quicker and gives you more consistent results.

      Why use a pasta machine:

      • Even, consistent thickness
      • Less physical effort
      • Great for delicate pasta shapes
      • Ideal for larger batches

      How to make pasta with a machine:

      1. Divide the dough into smaller pieces and flatten slightly.
      2. Pass it through the machine's widest setting first.
      3. Gradually reduce the thickness setting, passing the dough through each level.
      4. Cut or shape the finished sheets as needed.

      The thinner you roll the dough, the finer the texture of your pasta — this matters most for filled pasta like ravioli.

      Hands operate a copper pasta machine, feeding dough and producing fresh pasta strands on a wooden surface.

      How to make different types of pasta

      How to make spaghetti

      Spaghetti is one of the most popular pasta shapes and is easiest to make with a pasta machine.

      Method:

      • Roll the dough out very thin
      • Pass it through the spaghetti attachment
      • Hang loosely to dry, or lay flat with a light dusting of flour

      Cook time: approx. 2–3 minutes

      How to make tagliatelle

      Tagliatelle pairs beautifully with creamy sauces and rich ragùs.

      Method:

      • Roll out the dough
      • Cut into strips roughly 6–8mm wide
      • Let dry briefly before cooking

      Cook time: approx. 2–4 minutes

      How to make ravioli

      Filled pasta takes a little more time but rewards you with big flavour.

      Method:

      1. Roll dough sheets out thinly
      2. Spoon small portions of filling onto one sheet
      3. Lay a second sheet of dough on top
      4. Gently press out any air pockets
      5. Cut or stamp out the ravioli

      Popular fillings:

      • Ricotta and spinach
      • Mushroom
      • Pumpkin
      • Cheese
      • Fresh herbs

      Cook time: approx. 3–4 minutes

        How long does homemade pasta last?

        How long your pasta keeps depends on how it's stored.

        • Fresh pasta in the fridge: 1–2 days
        • Dried pasta: several weeks
        • Frozen pasta: up to 2 months

        Tip: Always dust fresh pasta lightly with flour before storing, so individual strands don't stick together.

        Fresh yellow pasta drying on a clear pasta rack with multiple arms, against a wooden background.

            A silver stand mixer with a pasta maker attachment extruding long strands of fresh spaghetti onto a light gray speckled counter.

            Homemade pasta, step by step

            Whether you use a pasta machine or keep it classic with a rolling pin, making pasta from scratch is easier than most people think. With a solid base recipe, a little practice, and the right tools, you can make fresh pasta that suits your taste perfectly — and turns any meal into something special.

            Buon appetito!

            Keep reading:

            Photos: Marcato, Eva Solo, KitchenAid

            Anja Wahnig
            Author