Homemade pasta without a pasta machine

Homemade pasta without a pasta machine is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Oli Brandon on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 6 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min

Cost: $4.75 total, $1.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 400 g All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 200 g Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded, optional topping)
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flour and Salt

    Spread the flour on a clean work surface, sprinkle the salt over it, and make a small well in the center.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Add Eggs and Mix

    Crack the eggs into the well and beat them with a fork until combined.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Incorporate Flour and Olive Oil

    Gradually pull flour from the edges into the eggs, mixing with the fork. When the mixture thickens, drizzle in the olive oil and continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Knead the Dough

    Using your hands, knead the dough for 8 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your fingers.

    Time: PT8M

  5. Rest the Dough

    Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Divide and Flatten

    Unwrap the rested dough, cut it in half, and lightly flatten each piece with your hands.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Roll Out the Pasta Sheets

    Generously dust the dough and rolling pin with flour. Roll each piece into a long, thin sheet, adding more flour as needed, until you achieve a translucent, paper‑thin layer.

    Time: PT12M

  8. Cut the Pasta

    Fold the sheet lightly, dust with flour, and cut it into strips of your desired thickness (e.g., fettuccine width). Unfold and dust the cut noodles again.

    Time: PT4M

  9. Second Rest

    Lay the cut pasta on a floured tray, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest for 15 minutes to dry slightly.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Boil Fresh Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the fresh pasta, and cook for 3 minutes until al dente.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: boiling

  11. Serve

    Drain the pasta, toss with your favorite sauce, and top with shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
70g
Fat
4g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (if chicken omitted), Contains eggs, Contains gluten

Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Dairy

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Homemade pasta without a pasta machine

Recipe by Oli Brandon

Learn how to make silky, restaurant‑quality fresh pasta at home without a pasta machine. This step‑by‑step guide walks you through mixing, kneading, resting, rolling, cutting, and cooking the dough, plus tips for serving with chicken and Parmesan.

MediumItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
1h 17m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.75
Total cost
$1.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
  • Rest the dough for 30 minutes
  • Roll the dough to a thin, even sheet
  • Cut the pasta to uniform strips
  • Cook fresh pasta for exactly 3 minutes

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting the pasta; cut away from your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fresh handmade pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Fresh handmade pasta has been a staple of Italian home cooking for centuries, especially in northern regions where wheat flour and eggs are abundant. It represents the Italian values of simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of crafting food by hand.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fresh pasta in Italy?

A

Northern Italy favors egg‑rich pasta like tagliatelle and pappardelle made with all‑purpose or Tipo 00 flour, while southern regions often use durum wheat semolina for shapes like orecchiette. Each region pairs its pasta with local sauces and ingredients.

cultural
Q

How is fresh pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

In Italy, fresh pasta is typically served shortly after cooking, tossed with a simple sauce such as butter and sage, tomato‑based ragù, or a light cream sauce. It is often finished with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fresh handmade pasta traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Fresh pasta is commonly prepared for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive holidays like Christmas and Easter, where the act of making pasta together becomes a communal celebration.

cultural
Q

How does fresh handmade pasta fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

Fresh pasta embodies the Italian culinary principle of letting high‑quality, few ingredients shine. It serves as a versatile canvas for regional sauces, vegetables, meats, and cheeses, linking the dish to the larger Italian food heritage.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic ingredients are durum wheat or soft wheat flour, fresh eggs, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes include using all‑purpose flour instead of Tipo 00, or adding a splash of olive oil for extra elasticity.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with fresh handmade pasta?

A

Fresh pasta pairs beautifully with classic Italian dishes such as chicken piccata, sautéed mushrooms in garlic butter, or a simple marinara sauce. It also works well alongside antipasto platters and a crisp green salad.

cultural
Q

What makes fresh handmade pasta special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The texture of fresh pasta—soft yet slightly chewy—and its ability to absorb sauces more readily than dried pasta make it a prized component of Italian meals, showcasing the skill of the home cook.

cultural
Q

How has fresh handmade pasta evolved over time in Italian cooking?

A

While the basic dough formula remains unchanged, modern Italian cooks have incorporated new flours, whole‑grain options, and innovative shapes, yet the tradition of hand‑rolling and cutting persists as a cultural touchstone.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fresh handmade pasta at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑kneading, which makes the dough tough; under‑resting, which leads to tearing while rolling; and over‑cooking, which turns delicate noodles mushy. Follow the rest times and watch the 3‑minute cooking window.

technical
Q

How do I know when fresh pasta is done cooking?

A

Fresh pasta is done when it floats to the surface and is still firm to the bite (al dente). Because it cooks quickly, taste a strand after 2‑3 minutes; it should be tender but have a slight resistance.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Oli Brandon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Oli Brandon focuses on approachable, no‑fuss home cooking tutorials that emphasize technique, flavor, and making restaurant‑style dishes with everyday kitchen tools.

channel

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