How to Make Fresh Spinach Pasta Dough at Home

How to Make Fresh Spinach Pasta Dough at Home is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Studio on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 16 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 41 min

Cost: $7.79 total, $1.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 180 g Fresh Spinach (washed, blanched 30 seconds, cooled, excess water squeezed out)
  • 2 pcs Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (for seasoning the spinach)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with 00 flour for smoother texture)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sauce)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking pasta)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Ricotta (topped at serving, optional)
  • 0.25 tsp Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
  • to taste Sea Salt (for sauce seasoning)
  • 0.25 cup Additional Spinach (optional for sauce) (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Blanch the Spinach

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds until wilted, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Drain and Squeeze

    Remove the spinach from the ice water, squeeze out as much excess water as possible with clean hands, then place back in the bowl, add salt and crack in the two eggs.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Puree Spinach and Eggs

    Using a hand blender (or a small smoothie blender), blitz the spinach‑egg mixture until completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Incorporate Flour

    Spread the flour on a clean work surface, make a well in the center, pour the spinach puree into the well and whisk with a fork, gradually pulling flour into the mixture until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Knead the Dough

    Knead the dough by hand for about ten minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic and springs back when pressed with a fingertip.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Rest the Dough

    Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and let it rest at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  7. Divide and Laminate

    Cut the rested dough in half, roll each piece into a small rectangle, then fold the rectangle into thirds, roll out again, and repeat the fold‑and‑roll process two more times (three laminations total).

    Time: PT15M

  8. Final Rest

    Let the laminated dough rest for about one minute so the gluten can relax before the final roll.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Roll to Thin Sheet

    Using a rolling pin, roll the dough as thin as possible—ideally you can read a letter through it.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Fold and Cut Strips

    Fold the thin sheet over onto itself a few times, then cut into uniform ribbons (fettuccine width). Lightly dust the strips with flour to keep them from sticking.

    Time: PT7M

  11. Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spinach pasta and cook for about three minutes until al dente.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  12. Prepare Simple Garlic‑Olive Oil Sauce

    While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté briefly, then add a splash of reserved pasta water, toss the cooked pasta, stir in optional chopped spinach, dollop ricotta, sprinkle chili flakes and sea salt, and toss until an emulsion forms.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
8g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains eggs, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Dairy (ricotta)

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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How to Make Fresh Spinach Pasta Dough at Home

Recipe by Chef Studio

A vibrant homemade spinach pasta made from fresh spinach, eggs, and flour, rolled thin, cut into ribbons, and tossed with a simple garlic‑olive oil sauce, ricotta, and chili flakes. Perfect for a quick, colorful dinner.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 17m
Prep
11m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.79
Total cost
$1.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanching the spinach quickly to retain bright color
  • Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic
  • Three‑fold laminations to develop layers
  • Rolling the dough thin enough to see through
  • Forming an emulsion sauce with pasta water

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting pasta strips.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a safe distance while sautéing garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of bright green spinach pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Spinach‑infused pasta dates back to the Renaissance when cooks added pureed vegetables to dough for color and nutrition. It became popular in northern Italy as a way to use abundant fresh greens and to create visually striking dishes for special occasions.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of spinach pasta exist within Italy?

A

In Tuscany, spinach pasta is often paired with butter and sage, while in the Veneto region it is served with a light cream sauce and toasted pine nuts. Some southern regions incorporate ricotta or pecorino into the dough for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is bright green spinach pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

Traditionally, the pasta is tossed with a simple sauce of olive oil, garlic, and sometimes a splash of pasta water, then finished with grated Pecorino Romano and toasted pine nuts. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are added just before serving.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature spinach pasta in Italian culture?

A

Spinach pasta is often prepared for spring festivals and family gatherings when fresh spinach is in season. It also appears on holiday tables for Easter and during regional food fairs that celebrate local produce.

cultural
Q

How does bright green spinach pasta fit into the broader Italian pasta tradition?

A

Italian cuisine celebrates pasta as a canvas for regional flavors. Spinach pasta showcases the Italian principle of using seasonal vegetables to enhance both color and nutrition while keeping the pasta itself simple and artisanal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for spinach pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh spinach, eggs, and "00" or all‑purpose flour, plus a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes are frozen spinach (well‑drained) and bread flour, though texture may vary. Egg‑free versions replace eggs with water and olive oil but lose the classic richness.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with bright green spinach pasta?

A

Pair it with a light lemon‑butter sauce, a classic tomato‑basil ragù, or a simple pesto. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp arugula salad with shaved Parmesan complements the green pasta beautifully.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bright green spinach pasta at home?

A

Common errors include over‑blanching the spinach (which dulls the color), under‑kneading the dough (resulting in a crumbly texture), and skipping the rest periods, which makes rolling difficult. Also, adding too much flour can make the pasta dry.

technical
Q

Why does this spinach pasta recipe use a hand blender instead of a food processor?

A

A hand blender allows you to puree the spinach directly in the bowl, minimizing transfer and preserving the vivid green color. It also gives better control over texture, ensuring a smooth puree without over‑processing.

technical
Q

Can I make the spinach pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, shape the dough into logs, wrap tightly in cling film, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator before rolling and cooking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Studio specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Studio focuses on home‑cooked, technique‑driven recipes, especially pasta and seasonal vegetable dishes, with clear step‑by‑step video tutorials for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Studio's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Chef Studio emphasizes hands‑on, practical techniques like laminating dough and creating emulsified sauces, often using everyday kitchen tools rather than professional equipment, making authentic Italian dishes more accessible to everyday home cooks.

channel

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