Simple Homemade Pasta Recipe

Looking for a simple homemade pasta recipe? This easy-to-follow guide will help you create delicious and hearty homemade pasta dishes that you can enjoy with your family or friends.

The key to creating the best pasta is in the quality of ingredients and the cooking time. With this recipe, you’ll have flavorful pasta that's perfect for a quick meal on busy nights.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, salt (if using), and eggs in a medium bowl. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Once the dough forms, knead it for about 10 minutes or until smooth.
3. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
4. Roll out the pasta to the desired thickness and cut into strips using a knife or pasta cutter. Alternatively, you can use a pasta machine.
5. Boil the pasta in salted water for 2-3 minutes until it's al dente (firm).
6. Rinse the pasta with cold water if your dish does not require boiling further.

Cooking Time and Servings

This homemade pasta recipe takes approximately 20 minutes of active time and yields enough for about 4 servings. The cooking time includes kneading the dough, rolling it out, and boiling the pasta.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Ensure the water used to boil your pasta is salted properly; a generous amount ensures the flavor penetrates the noodles evenly.
• The pasta should be al dente—firm enough that you can bite through it, yet soft enough to eat easily. Adjust cooking time based on taste preference and noodle thickness.
• For added flavor, add herbs like basil or parsley while boiling your pasta.

Variations for Homemade Pasta Recipe

Pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes. Here are some delicious variations:

• Spinach and ricotta ravioli: Combine spinach and ricotta with Parmesan cheese, then fold the pasta over it for a savory filling.
• Four cheese pasta: Blend equal parts mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan into your dough for extra cheesy goodness.
• Herb pesto pasta: Add fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil to the cooked pasta for a burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

One serving of this homemade pasta provides approximately 400 calories. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The exact nutritional values may vary based on the amount of ingredients used:

• Carbohydrates: ~75 grams
• Protein: ~18 grams
• Fat: ~12 grams
• Vitamin A: 10% of RDA
• Vitamin C: <1% of RDA
• Vitamin B6: 30% of RDA
• Iron: 25% of RDA

Serving Suggestions

This homemade pasta can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Toss with your favorite tomato sauce for a classic dish.
• Mix into creamy garlic butter sauce and serve over linguine for an elegant meal.
• Top with fresh vegetables, such as sautéed bell peppers or grilled zucchini.

Storage Tips

To store your homemade pasta:

• Let the dough dry on a flat surface until it is completely dried out. Once completely dry, store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• If you’re not using the whole batch right away, freeze any leftovers and use within six months.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of eating a dish that’s home-cooked and packed with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for pasta with sauce or as part of a larger meal, this versatile recipe will provide delicious results every time.