Perfecting Fresh Pasta Recipes: 5 Tips For Success (2024)

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By Gemma Stafford | February 21, 2019 | 20

Last updated on November 11, 2019

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Hi Bold Bakers!

As a professional chef and baker, pasta has a special place in my heart. I’m also so happy to have the expertise and experience to bring you a truly wonderful recipe for fresh pasta that doesn’t require any machine, nor does it require more than 2-3 ingredients. Basically, this is as simple as it gets — and the rewards are lovely.

Of all the savory recipes I’ve created my Homemade Pasta Recipes are some of my favorites! Whether you’re looking to make a whole wheat variety or even vegan pasta, these simple homemade pasta recipes have something for everyone. All 3 of these recipes are made by hand with no more than 3 ingredients and yield the most delicate and authentic pasta. That’s right, you don’t even need a machine to make amazing homemade pasta.

1. What flour do you use to make Homemade Pasta?

All pasta is just a mix of flour and eggs, or flour and water. You might think that doesn’t leave a lot of room for varying flavor, but the flour you use will dictate the flavor of your pasta.

My 2 Ingredient Homemade Pasta is made from all-purpose flour and has that classic Italian pasta flavor (same with my 3 Ingredient Homemade Vegan Pasta),whereas my 3 Ingredient Whole Wheat Pasta is made of a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. The mix of these flours creates a nuttier earthy flavor. Once you learn my homemade pasta method I suggest experimenting with semolina flour and 00 flour for an extra bite.

2. Why is my Homemade Pasta dry?

All of my pasta dough recipes will get wetter as they rest so don’t be alarmed if they seem dry at first, that means the dough is most likely just right.When you first mix together the flour and the wet ingredients you might be tempted to add a little water or more egg, but I suggest really working the wet into the dry, and taking your time with this step. Then, IF it still seems on the dry side, you absolutely can add a splash of water.

3. How long do you cook fresh pasta for?

One of the best parts about homemade pasta is how delicate it is in compared to store bought dry pasta. Since the pasta is super fresh it cooks really quickly anywhere from 1-2 minutes. As soon as the pasta starts rising to the top of the pot of water that’s a good indication it is done. This will create the perfect al dente bite!

4. How do you dry fresh pasta?

If you want to dry your pasta and cook it off at a later time you can do this by simply leaving the pasta out in one layer in the open air for 12-24 hours. You will know when the pasta has dried fully because it will snap like a cracker when bent. After drying the pasta just cover and store it in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks. Do note that if you live in a humid climate this may take longer and might make the pasta chewier.

If this is the case, I might suggest freezing the fresh pasta instead of drying it.

5. How do I store fresh pasta?

If you do not cook your fresh pasta straight away then you have 3 options: 1) You can dry it (as above) or you can 2) store it in the fridge up to 3 days. Just lay it in one even layer and keep it covered until removing from the fridge to cook it. 3) Additionally, you can freeze the fresh pasta in an air-tight container for up to 8 weeks.

Try My Fresh Pasta Recipes (Plain, Whole Wheat, and Egg-Free Homemade Pasta)!

2-Ingredient Homemade Pasta (No Machine)

To make classic Italian style pasta you have to try my 2 Ingredient Homemade Pasta (Without a Machine)recipe.

3-Ingredient Whole Wheat Pasta (No Machine)

If you’re looking to add a bit of nutty I suggest you try my 3 Ingredient Whole Wheat Pasta. This pasta is every bit as delicate but a bit more stick to your ribs. It goes so well with both light and heavier sauces.

3-Ingredient Homemade Vegan Pasta (No Machine)

If you want to try making pasta at home but you can’t or don’t want to eat eggs, all you need is some flour, water,and olive oil to make my 3 Ingredient Homemade Vegan Pasta.

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