Homemade Pasta Recipes: From Traditional Classics to Modern Twists

Making pasta from scratch can seem intimidating, but once you master a few simple techniques, you’ll find it’s a rewarding and delicious way to elevate your meals. Homemade pasta offers a fresh, delicate texture that store-bought pasta can’t match. With just a few ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home that will impress your family and friends.

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of homemade pasta recipes, including traditional favorites like fettuccine and ravioli, as well as creative options like spinach and beet pasta. These recipes are perfect for pasta lovers who want to explore the art of homemade pasta, experiment with different shapes and fillings, and discover new flavors.

The Basics of Homemade Pasta

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s cover the basics. Traditional pasta dough consists of just two ingredients: flour and eggs. However, you can customize your pasta dough by adding different flavors or using alternative flours.

Ingredients for Basic Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 00 flour for a finer texture)

• 3 large eggs

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. On a clean surface, make a well in the center of the flour and crack the eggs into the well.

2. Use a fork to beat the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges.

3. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it with your hands for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes before rolling and shaping.

This dough serves as the base for many pasta shapes, including fettuccine, tagliatelle, and pappardelle. Once you’ve mastered the basic dough, you can begin experimenting with variations like spinach or beet pasta, which we’ll cover later.

1. Classic Fettuccine with Alfredo Sauce

Fettuccine is one of the most popular pasta shapes, and it pairs beautifully with a creamy Alfredo sauce. The wide, flat noodles absorb the rich, buttery sauce, making this a comforting and indulgent dish.

Ingredients for Fettuccine:

• Basic pasta dough (see recipe above)

• Flour for dusting

Instructions for Fettuccine:

1. Roll the pasta dough into thin sheets using a rolling pin or pasta machine.

2. Cut the sheets into long, flat strips about ¼ inch wide.

3. Dust with flour to prevent sticking and cook in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until al dente.

Ingredients for Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for Alfredo Sauce:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

4. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the sauce and serve hot.

Why It’s a Favorite: Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic for a reason. The combination of fresh pasta and creamy sauce is simple yet decadent, making it perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

2. Spinach Ravioli with Ricotta Filling

Ravioli are filled pasta pockets that can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. For a delicious and nutritious twist, spinach ravioli filled with ricotta cheese offers a flavorful and vibrant dish. The green spinach dough not only looks beautiful but also adds a subtle earthy flavor.

Ingredients for Spinach Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups flour

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup cooked spinach, finely chopped and squeezed dry

Instructions for Spinach Dough:

1. Follow the same method as basic pasta dough, but mix the spinach into the eggs before incorporating the flour.

2. Knead and rest the dough as usual.

Ingredients for Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg yolk

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions for Ravioli:

1. Roll the spinach dough into thin sheets and cut into squares or circles.

2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, and seasonings.

3. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square and fold over to seal the edges.

4. Cook the ravioli in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then toss with a light tomato sauce or brown butter and sage.

Why It’s a Favorite: Spinach ravioli is a showstopper, both in appearance and taste. The vibrant green dough contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta filling, and the fresh pasta pockets are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Related: Savory Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto and Herbs

3. Beet Pasta with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

For a bold and colorful twist, beet pasta adds a stunning pink hue to your dish. This pasta is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a slight sweetness from the beets that pairs wonderfully with savory toppings like goat cheese and walnuts.

Ingredients for Beet Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups flour

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup cooked, pureed beets

Instructions for Beet Pasta:

1. Follow the same method as basic pasta dough, but mix the beet puree into the eggs before incorporating the flour.

2. Knead and rest the dough as usual.

Instructions for Serving:

1. Cook the beet pasta in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes.

2. Toss with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

Why It’s a Favorite: Beet pasta is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The sweetness of the beets balances the tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is visually stunning.

4. Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce

Pappardelle is a wide, flat noodle that pairs perfectly with hearty sauces like Bolognese. This classic Italian meat sauce is slow-cooked with tomatoes, ground beef, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and comforting dish.

Ingredients for Pappardelle:

• Basic pasta dough (see recipe above)

• Flour for dusting

Instructions for Pappardelle:

1. Roll the pasta dough into thin sheets and cut into wide strips, about 1 inch wide.

2. Cook in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes, until al dente.

Ingredients for Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste

Instructions for Bolognese Sauce:

1. In a large pan, cook the ground meat with onions and garlic until browned.

2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and seasonings.

3. Simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.

4. Serve over pappardelle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Why It’s a Favorite: Pappardelle’s wide shape makes it ideal for soaking up the rich Bolognese sauce. The combination of fresh pasta and slow-cooked meat sauce creates a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

5. Homemade Gnocchi with Pesto

Although technically not pasta, gnocchi are another Italian staple made from potatoes and flour. These soft, pillowy dumplings are easy to make at home and pair beautifully with fresh pesto.

Ingredients for Gnocchi:

• 2 large russet potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 1 egg

• 1 ½ cups flour

• Salt to taste

Instructions for Gnocchi:

1. In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the egg and salt.

2. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Toss with fresh pesto and serve with grated Parmesan.

Why It’s a Favorite: Homemade gnocchi is soft, light, and incredibly satisfying. Paired with a vibrant, herby pesto sauce, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Making pasta from scratch is a labor of love that yields delicious results. Whether you’re preparing classic fettuccine or experimenting with colorful beet or spinach pasta, homemade pasta allows you to explore endless possibilities in the kitchen. These recipes offer a range of flavors, from rich and hearty to light and fresh, ensuring there’s something for every pasta lover to enjoy. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to create some mouthwatering homemade pasta dishes!

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