Easy Homemade Pasta

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: 

• Best Marinara Sauce Yet 
• Pesto
• Bolognese Sauce 

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