Easy Homemade Pasta

4.9
(132)

This homemade pasta recipe is consistently great and easy to make with flour, eggs, salt, olive oil, and water. Roll out by hand or use a pasta machine to cut dough into desired pasta shape.

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Super close up on a pile of homemade pasta dough.
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4

Why buy the boxed stuff when you can make noodles at home? This homemade pasta recipe is way better than what you can buy at the store — and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together with just five ingredients you likely already have on hand!

How to Make Homemade Pasta

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Homemade Pasta Ingredients 

You’ll need just five ingredients to make this easy homemade pasta recipe: 

  • Flour: This homemade pasta recipe starts with two cups of all-purpose flour. 
  • Eggs: Eggs lend fat and moisture to the pasta dough. 
  • Oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil add moisture and help the dough come together. 
  • Salt: A teaspoon of salt takes the flavor up a notch. 
  • Water: Add just enough water to form a smooth, thick dough. 

How to Make Homemade Pasta

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade pasta: 

  1. Make the dough. 
  2. Turn the dough out and knead it for 10 minutes. 
  3. Let the dough rest. 
  4. Divide the dough into balls.
  5. Use a pasta machine to roll and cut the dough into desired shapes. 

How to Cook Homemade Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, add the uncooked pasta, and stir. Cook until the pasta is al dente (until it has a slight bite). 

Learn more: How to Cook Fresh Pasta

How Long to Cook Homemade Pasta

Fresh pasta takes less time to cook than dried pasta, so keep a close eye on it — it should take between two and five minutes. 

Test Kitchen Tips

Culinary developer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) learned how to make the best homemade  pasta from her Roman neighbor. This recipe, she says, is the real deal! Here are a few of her expert pasta making tips: 

  • Nicole likes to start the recipe the old-fashioned way: On the counter. She makes a well in the middle of the flour with her measuring cup, then cracks the eggs into the well. After adding the remaining ingredients, she gradually works the flour into the wet mixture from the inside out. 
  • It might look like you have too much flour at first, but don’t worry! Since the dough will still be wet in the center when you start kneading, the flour will gradually become necessary. 
  • Before cooking the pasta, Nicole likes to make loose nests with the noodles. She lets the nests dry out on the counter a bit before boiling.

What to Serve With Homemade Pasta

Serve this homemade pasta with your favorite sauce. Need ideas? Check out our collection of The 20 Best Pasta Sauces, According to Our Readers. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find: 

Can You Make Homemade Pasta Dough Ahead of Time? 

Yes! To make homemade pasta dough up to two days in advance:

  1. Make the dough. 
  2. Turn the dough out and knead. 
  3. Gently coat the dough ball in flour and wrap in storage wrap. 
  4. Refrigerate for up to two days. 
  5. Follow the recipe.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This recipe was incredibly simple and worked perfectly,” raves lglandis. “This was my first time making pasta and it could not have been easier. Can't wait to do it again!”

“So easy and great,” according to ANADAMABAKER. “I used all-purpose flour and semolina flour (equal parts) instead of just all-purpose flour.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour

  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons water, or as needed

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    All ingredients gathered to make homemade pasta dough.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until combined. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to flour mixture until a smooth, thick dough forms.

    Ingredients mixed together to form a thick dough.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes. Let dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Dough kneaded for 10 minutes and left to rest.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Divide dough into 8 balls; use a pasta machine to roll and cut dough into desired pasta shape.

    Dough being rolled out in a pasta machine.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Pasta Dough

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

This dough makes really great homemade linguine or ravioli using a manual pasta machine. If the dough is too sticky, roll it in a bit of flour.

This recipe makes enough pasta for 24 small raviolis or 4 servings of linguine. Whatever pasta you make, it should take no more than 4 to 6 minutes to boil.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)

341 Calories
11g Fat
48g Carbs
11g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 341
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 140mg 47%
Sodium 636mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 48g 17%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 11g 22%
Calcium 30mg 2%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 117mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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