How to Make Classic Homemade Pasta 4 ways

How to Make Classic Homemade Pasta 4 ways is a intermediate Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Joshua Weissman on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 35 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 4 hrs 20 min

Cost: $29.05 total, $7.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 480 g Double Zero Flour (type 00 flour preferred; sifted)
  • 2 g Fine Sea Salt (½ teaspoon, fine sea salt)
  • 5 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 5 g Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 teaspoon for dough)
  • 680 g Boneless Pork Shoulder (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing pork)
  • 1 stalk Celery (finely diced)
  • 2 pieces Carrots (medium, finely diced)
  • 1 piece Yellow Onion (medium, finely diced)
  • 55 g Tomato Paste (3 tbsp, caramelized)
  • 120 ml Red Wine (dry red, deglazing)
  • 480 ml Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 113 g Pancetta (diced)
  • 1 piece Red Onion (small, diced)
  • 1 can San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes (28‑oz, drained and pureed)
  • 10 g Unsalted Butter (small knob for emulsifying sauce)
  • 30 g Fresh Basil Leaves (packed cup, washed)
  • 30 g Walnuts (or pine nuts, toasted)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 100 g Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated; ½ cup for pesto, ½ cup for serving)
  • 120 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for pesto, streamed in slowly)
  • 200 g Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, drained)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Make the All‑Purpose Pasta Dough

    Sift 480 g double‑zero flour onto a clean work surface, sprinkle 2 g fine sea salt, and form a well large enough for 5 eggs. Crack the eggs into the well, drizzle 5 g olive oil, and whisk with a fork, gradually pulling in flour from the edges until a shaggy paste forms.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Knead the Dough

    Using your hands, bring the paste together, then knead on the surface for 5‑10 minutes until the dough is silky, smooth, and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Rest the Dough

    Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.

    Time: PT1H

  4. Divide and Roll the Dough

    Lightly dust the rested dough with flour, cut into four equal portions, and roll each portion on the pasta machine on the widest setting. Fold the sheet like a letter and pass through the roller again, then progressively work down each setting until the sheet is about ¼ inch thick (or the second‑thinnest setting).

    Time: PT30M

  5. Shape Fettuccine/Tagliatelle

    Lay a rolled sheet on the counter, loosely roll it up lengthwise, and slice with a sharp knife into ½‑inch wide ribbons. Toss the ribbons with flour to keep them separate.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Shape Garganelli

    Cut one sheet into 2‑inch squares. Place each square diagonally on a gnocchi board (or any ridged surface) and roll around a chopstick, applying firm pressure to create the characteristic ridges.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Shape Tortellini

    Using a 2¾‑inch biscuit cutter, cut circles from a sheet. Place a pea‑sized dollop of ricotta mixture in the center, fold the circle in half like a taco, pinch the two points together, then seal the remaining edge to form a tortellini.

    Time: PT20M

  8. Prepare Pork Ragu Sauce

    Finely dice 1 stalk celery, 2 carrots, and 1 medium yellow onion. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy‑bottomed pot over medium‑high heat, season 680 g pork shoulder cubes with salt and pepper, and sear in a single layer for 2‑3 minutes per side until caramelized. Transfer pork to a bowl. In the same pot, add the diced vegetables and cook until translucent, then stir in 55 g tomato paste and sauté until it darkens slightly. Deglaze with 120 ml red wine, boil for 20‑25 seconds, add 480 ml chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, return the pork and its juices, cover, and bake at 300 °F for about 1 hour until the meat is tender.

    Time: PT1H20M

    Temperature: 300°F

  9. Prepare Pancetta‑Tomato Sauce (Garganelli)

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan, add 113 g diced pancetta and sauté until the fat renders and it begins to brown. Add the diced red onion and cook until translucent. Drain a 28‑oz can of San Marzano tomatoes, puree them, then add to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, and cook 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with a knob of butter for extra richness.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Make Basil‑Walnut Pesto (Tortellini)

    In a food processor, combine 30 g fresh basil, 30 g walnuts, 2 garlic cloves, and 50 g grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, then slowly stream in 120 ml olive oil while processing. Season with salt to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Prepare Ricotta Filling (Tortellini)

    In a bowl, mix 200 g ricotta, 50 g grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Cook Fresh Pasta and Assemble

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop each fresh pasta shape into the water; cook 30 seconds to 2 minutes, testing for al dente texture. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water. Toss fettuccine with hot pork ragu, adding a little pasta water if needed. Toss garganelli with the pancetta‑tomato sauce and a knob of butter, emulsifying. Toss tortellini with pesto, seasoning with salt. Serve each plate with a generous shaving of Parmigiano‑Reggiano.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
24 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Dairy (Parmesan, Ricotta, Butter), Nuts (Walnuts)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How to Make Classic Homemade Pasta 4 ways

Recipe by Joshua Weissman

Learn how to make fresh Italian pasta from scratch and turn it into four different shapes—fettuccine, spaghetti, garganelli, and tortellini—each paired with a complementary sauce: pork ragu, carbonara (link), pancetta‑tomato, and basil‑walnut pesto. This step‑by‑step guide follows Joshua Weissman's YouTube tutorial and includes all the tips, timings, and troubleshooting a home cook needs.

IntermediateItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
2h 50m
Prep
1h 50m
Cook
34m
Cleanup
5h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.05
Total cost
$7.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading the dough until silky and smooth
  • Resting the dough for at least 1 hour
  • Searing pork shoulder in a single layer without overcrowding
  • Baking the pork ragu at low temperature for tenderness
  • Rolling the dough to the correct thinness before cutting shapes
  • Cooking fresh pasta for only 30‑120 seconds

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets and the oven door.
  • Be careful with the sharp knife and pasta cutter; cut away from your body.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby and never leave unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Fresh handmade pasta has been a staple of Italian home cooking for centuries, especially in the north where wheat quality is high. It represents the Italian values of simplicity, freshness, and respect for high‑quality ingredients, turning just flour, eggs, and salt into a versatile canvas for regional sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pasta shapes like fettuccine, garganelli, and tortellini in Italian cuisine?

A

Fettuccine (or tagliatelle) originates from Emilia‑Romagna and is traditionally served with rich meat ragùs. Garganelli, also from Emilia, is a ridged tube that holds chunky sauces well. Tortellini, famously from Bologna and Modena, are small stuffed rings traditionally filled with meat or cheese and served in broth or butter sauce.

cultural
Q

How is fresh pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

In Italy, fresh pasta is cooked al dente for just a few minutes, tossed immediately with a hot sauce, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter and a generous shaving of Parmigiano‑Reggiano. It is often served as a first course (primo) before the main protein dish.

cultural
Q

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

A

Making fresh pasta is a family‑centered activity often reserved for weekends, holidays, and special gatherings such as Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. It’s a way to bring relatives together in the kitchen, sharing the labor and enjoyment of creating something from scratch.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Joshua Weissman's all‑purpose pasta dough versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic ingredients are 00 flour, large eggs, fine sea salt, and a splash of extra‑virgin olive oil. If 00 flour is unavailable, all‑purpose flour works fine. Eggs can be substituted with a mixture of 1 egg plus 1 tbsp water per egg for a vegan version, though texture will differ.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fresh pasta according to the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the dough, not resting it long enough, overcrowding the pan when searing pork, and under‑seasoning the sauces. Joshua Weissman emphasizes a silky‑smooth dough, a single‑layer sear for the meat, and tasting the sauce before serving.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a low oven temperature of 300 °F for the pork ragu instead of a higher simmer on the stovetop?

A

A low, steady oven heat gently braises the pork, allowing the connective tissue to break down evenly without the risk of scorching the sauce. This method yields a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth meat and a glossy, well‑reduced ragu.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated; the dough will stay moist and become easier to roll. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped dough for up to 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pork ragu is done cooking?

A

The pork should be fork‑tender and easily pull apart, and the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without pooling. A glossy, deep‑red color indicates the tomato paste has caramelized properly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Joshua Weissman specializes in detailed, technique‑focused cooking tutorials that blend classic culinary fundamentals with modern home‑cook accessibility, often emphasizing homemade fundamentals like bread, pasta, and charcuterie.

channel
Q

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

A

Joshua Weissman focuses on mastering the fundamentals—making dough from scratch, precise knife work, and proper seasoning—while other channels may rely more on shortcuts or pre‑made components. His videos often include thorough explanations of why each step matters, encouraging viewers to build confidence in foundational skills.

channel
Q

What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman known for?

A

Joshua Weissman is known for his homemade pizza dough, classic risotto, perfect gnocchi, and his signature chicken parmigiana, all presented with a focus on technique and ingredient quality.

channel

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