Est. 2021 · Independent kitchen reviewsIssue Nº 34 · May 2026Tested · Rated · Recommended
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Recipe·Recipes / Recipes

How to Make Homemade Pasta Without a Machine

No pasta machine needed. Rolling pin and patience produce better-than-boxed pasta.

Editorial Team
Test Kitchen · Tested · Apr 23, 2026
How to Make Homemade Pasta Without a Machine
Active time
15 min
Total time
30 min
Yield
Serves 4–6
Difficulty
Weeknight
Equipment
Recipes
Method

How we make it

Fresh pasta seems complicated but is straightforward. People did this for centuries before machines.

Dough

One egg per 100g flour. 200g + 2 eggs for two servings. AP or tipo 00 flour. Salt and olive oil optional. Well in flour, eggs in center, incorporate gradually, knead.

Knead

Push with heel, fold, rotate. 8-10 min until smooth and elastic. Wrap, rest 30 min. Gluten relaxes for easier rolling.

Roll

Divide into portions. Cover unused. Roll from center outward. Rotate for even stretch. 1-2mm for fettuccine. Dust with flour.

Cut

Dust, fold loosely. Sharp knife: 1/4 inch fettuccine, 3/4 pappardelle. Unfurl, toss with flour.

Cook

2-4 min in heavily salted boiling water. Toss with sauce immediately. Fresh pasta absorbs sauce differently. Simple butter-parmesan is a revelation.

Store

Fridge 2 days with semolina. Freeze on sheet then bag. Once you do this a few times, it becomes second nature.

Editor's Notes
  • Read the full method through once before starting. Most recipes flow better when you mise-en-place.
  • Temperatures are in °C / °F where provided; when in doubt, use a thermometer.
  • Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently to avoid drying.