The Best Homemade Pasta Recipes

Homemade pasta. There's something undeniably magical about it, isn’t there? The floury surface, the dough that seems to come alive under your fingers, and of course, the aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. You’ve probably had store-bought pasta many times, but let’s face it—there’s just no comparison. It’s the tender, silky texture, the authenticity of ingredients, and the pure joy of making it from scratch that really sets homemade pasta apart. So, where to begin? Right here! Buckle up as we take you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the best homemade pasta recipes you'll ever try.

1. Classic Egg Pasta

Ah, the classic egg pasta. Simple, but oh-so-delicious. It’s the foundation of many pasta dishes and the perfect starting point for pasta novices. You’ll need flour, eggs, a pinch of salt, and some elbow grease. That’s it. Mix, knead, roll, and cut. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity—this pasta carries a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by the pre-packaged stuff. You’ll know it the moment you bite into it.

For the dough: Start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and make a well in the center. Crack in 2 eggs, add a pinch of salt, and whisk the eggs gently with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour from the sides. Once the dough starts to form, get in there with your hands. Knead it for about 10 minutes, then wrap it in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes. After that, roll it out and cut it into your preferred shape—whether that’s tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even ravioli!

2. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Now, for something a bit more indulgent: Spinach and ricotta ravioli. But hold on, before you think "too complicated," let me tell you—it’s easier than you think! The trick is in the filling. Fresh spinach, ricotta, a touch of Parmesan, garlic, and nutmeg combine to create a rich and savory filling that’s just begging to be encased in homemade pasta dough.

For the filling: Sauté garlic and spinach until the spinach wilts, then squeeze out any excess water. Combine it with ricotta, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Roll out your pasta dough thin, cut it into squares, and place a dollop of the spinach mixture in the center. Fold and seal the edges—making sure no filling escapes during cooking! Drop your ravioli into boiling water, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. The result? Pure bliss in every bite.

3. Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce

Are you ready for the ultimate indulgence? Picture this: thick, wide ribbons of homemade pappardelle swimming in a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every bite.

For the pappardelle: This one’s a bit more robust. Mix together 2 cups of flour, 2 large eggs, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth, and then roll out into wide sheets. Slice the dough into broad strips, about 2 inches wide. Now, for the sauce: Sauté ground beef and pork with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, add some red wine and tomatoes, then let it simmer for a few hours. The flavors meld together in a beautiful, savory harmony. Toss your pappardelle with this sauce, and you’ll be in pasta heaven.

4. Gnocchi (Potato Pasta)

Gnocchi are little pillows of potato goodness. So light, so fluffy, so irresistibly soft. But making gnocchi from scratch? It’s a surprisingly satisfying experience. The key is to use just the right amount of flour and to handle the dough as little as possible—this way, your gnocchi won’t become too dense.

Start with 1 pound of boiled potatoes (preferably russets). Peel them while they’re still hot, and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly, then mix in an egg, 1 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt. Knead it until it comes together, but don’t overdo it. Roll out the dough into long ropes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Press each piece lightly with a fork to create ridges. Drop them into boiling water, and when they float to the top, they’re done. Serve with butter, sage, and Parmesan, or go for a classic marinara sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser.

5. Fettuccine Alfredo

Simple yet elegant, fettuccine Alfredo is a true classic. You’ll want to make the freshest fettuccine possible to hold up against the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. And when it comes to the sauce? No shortcuts! Real butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan. That’s it. When you combine them, you create a sauce that’s velvety, luscious, and impossible to resist.

For the fettuccine: Roll out your dough into thin sheets and cut into long, narrow ribbons. Boil until just tender. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan, add heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens. Coat your freshly made fettuccine with the sauce, and prepare for your taste buds to thank you.

In Conclusion: Let’s Get Cooking!

There you have it—five homemade pasta recipes that will elevate your culinary game. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, creamy, or comforting, these recipes will give you everything you need to create fresh pasta like a pro. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let the pasta-making begin. After all, nothing says “I love you” quite like a plate of pasta made from scratch!