Making homemade pasta from scratch is a rewarding and delicious endeavor that any home cook can master. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be well on your way to creating flavorful, authentic pasta dishes that will impress your family and friends.

To begin, gather your ingredients: all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. You’ll also need a work surface for rolling out the dough, such as a clean countertop or a large wooden cutting board. A good set of knives and a rolling pin are also essential. For those who want to be extra traditional, a wooden pasta roller is a worthwhile investment, but a well-floured work surface and a steady hand will also do the trick. Before you begin, it’s important to clear a space in your kitchen and gather all the tools you’ll need. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process, and it will also help to create a calming atmosphere, which is always beneficial when attempting a new culinary technique.

Start by creating a well in the center of your flour and crack your eggs into it. Carefully beat the eggs with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides of the well. As the dough begins to come together, use your hands to gently knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process should take about 10 minutes. Once your dough is ready, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out later.

While the dough is resting, you can start preparing your filling if you’re making stuffed pasta, like ravioli or tortellini. You can also use this time to decide on the shape of your pasta. There are countless options, from long, flat pappardelle to tube-shaped penne or shells perfect for holding sauce. The beauty of making your own pasta is that you can get creative and choose any shape that inspires you.

Once the resting period is over, it’s time to roll out the dough.