16 Italian Fresh Pasta Dough Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Fresh pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine and making it from scratch is a true labor of love. While it may seem intimidating, the process is actually quite simple and the end result is well worth the effort. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create your own homemade Italian fresh pasta dough, perfect for a delicious pasta dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow along for a professional and well-organized introduction on how to make this traditional Italian staple.
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Fresh
If you're a fan of cheese and tomatoes, then this is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines the classic flavors of cheese and tomato in a delicious, homemade ravioli. The cherry tomato sauce adds a burst of freshness to the dish, making it a perfect summer meal. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!
2of 20
Italian Braised Pork Shoulder Ragu
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Carrot
This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends. The pork shoulder is braised in a rich tomato sauce until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The flavors of garlic, rosemary, and red wine add depth to the dish, making it a true Italian comfort food. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal.
3of 20
Pasta Bolognese
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Onion, Celery Stalk, Carrot, Garlic
Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce that is perfect for a variety of pasta dishes. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork for a rich and flavorful sauce. The addition of fresh herbs and red wine takes this dish to the next level. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a hearty and delicious meal.
4of 20
Fresh Pasta With White Truffles
Main Ingredients: Large Garlic Clove, Unsalted Butter, Sage Leaves, Fresh
If you want to impress your dinner guests, this dish is sure to do the trick. Fresh pasta is tossed in a decadent white truffle cream sauce, making it a luxurious and indulgent meal. The subtle flavors of truffle pair perfectly with the homemade pasta, making this dish a true standout. Serve it with a glass of wine for a truly special dining experience.
5of 20
Homemade Ravioli With Pear & Pecorino
Main Ingredients: Pear, Pecorino Romano, Mascarpone Cheese, Fresh Pasta
This unique and flavorful dish combines the sweetness of pears with the sharpness of pecorino cheese. The homemade ravioli is filled with a delicious mixture of the two ingredients and topped with a simple butter and sage sauce. The combination of flavors is unexpected but absolutely delicious. It's a perfect dish for a dinner party or a special date night.
6of 20
Caprese Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pasta, Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Sea Salt
This light and refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. The classic Italian flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil are combined with pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and flavorful kick to the dish. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
7of 20
Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Kosher Salt
Bolognese sauce is a staple in many Italian households, and for good reason. This hearty and flavorful sauce is made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with vegetables and herbs. It's simmered for hours to develop a rich and complex flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a classic and delicious meal.
8of 20
Homemade Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pasta, Ricotta Cheese, Grated Parmesan, Spinach
If you've never made homemade pasta before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. These delicate and delicious tortellini are filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, cheese, and herbs. The process of making the tortellini may seem intimidating, but it's easier than you think. Serve it with your favorite sauce for a truly impressive meal.
9of 20
Spaghetti Puttanesca
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Fresh Pasta, Minced Garlic, Anchovy Fillets
This classic Italian dish is full of bold and spicy flavors. The combination of tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies creates a sauce that is both salty and savory. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it with a glass of red wine for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
10of 20
Fresh Tomato Marinara Pasta
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pasta, Roma Tomatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This simple and flavorful marinara sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The key to making this dish truly delicious is using the freshest ingredients possible. It's a perfect dish for vegetarians or anyone who loves the taste of fresh tomatoes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick and easy meal.
11of 20
Slow Roasted Tomato And Garlic Open Lasagne
Main Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Brown
This dish may take some time to make, but it's worth the wait. The slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic add a depth of flavor to this classic Italian dish. The lasagna is made with a combination of pasta sheets, roasted vegetables, and creamy ricotta cheese. It's a perfect dish for a Sunday dinner with the family.
12of 20
Weeknight Ragu di Prosciutto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pasta, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Small Carrot
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal, this ragu is the perfect choice. It's made with prosciutto, tomatoes, and herbs, and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The prosciutto adds a salty and savory flavor to the ragu, making it a perfect pairing with your favorite pasta.
13of 20
Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Tomatoes, Chicken Livers, Avocado Oil
This slow-cooked bolognese sauce is full of rich and complex flavors. The combination of beef, pork, and pancetta creates a sauce that is hearty and satisfying. The sauce simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a truly delicious and comforting meal.
14of 20
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo with Toasted Breadcrumbs
Main Ingredients: Alfredo Sauce, Fresh Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil
This is not your average fettuccine alfredo. This dish is made with homemade fettuccine and topped with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. The creamy alfredo sauce is made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent meal. Serve it with a simple side salad for a complete and delicious dinner.
15of 20
Lemon Pasta Primavera
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pasta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Minced Garlic
This light and refreshing pasta dish is perfect for spring or summer. The lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish, while the vegetables and herbs add freshness and crunch. This dish is also a great way to sneak in some vegetables for picky eaters. Serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein.
16of 20
Ravioli with Ricotta or Meat Filling
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Large Egg, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. This recipe offers two options for the filling - ricotta cheese or a meat filling. Both are delicious and can be served with your choice of sauce. The homemade pasta takes this dish to the next level, making it a truly special meal.
17of 20
Cheesy Almond Pesto
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Parmesan, Basil, Garlic Clove, Olive Oil
If you're a fan of pesto, you will love this cheesy version. The addition of almonds and parmesan cheese adds a nutty and rich flavor to the pesto. It's perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta or using as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. This pesto is also great for freezing, so you can enjoy it all year round.
18of 20
Fresh Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Roma Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Black Pepper, Salt
This simple and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness to the dish, while the herbs and garlic add depth of flavor. The pasta is tossed with the roasted tomatoes and topped with parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights.
19of 20
Arugula Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Shallots, Garlic Cloves, Arugula
This unique and flavorful ravioli is filled with a mixture of arugula, ricotta cheese, and parmesan. The peppery taste of the arugula adds a delicious twist to this traditional dish. The homemade pasta is surprisingly easy to make and adds a special touch to the dish. Serve it with your favorite sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Veal Ragù
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic Clove
This rich and flavorful ragù is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The veal is slowly cooked in a tomato sauce with red wine and herbs, resulting in a tender and delicious dish. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a truly indulgent meal. Don't forget to pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, it's important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need flour, eggs, salt, and olive oil to make the basic pasta dough. It's important to use high-quality ingredients for the best results, as they will make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of your pasta.
Flour
Traditionally, Italian pasta is made with durum wheat flour, also known as semolina flour. This type of flour is high in protein and gluten, which gives the pasta its signature chewy texture. However, all-purpose flour can also be used if you don't have access to semolina flour.
Eggs
Eggs are an essential ingredient in pasta dough, providing both moisture and richness. Make sure to use fresh, room temperature eggs for the best results. If possible, use organic or free-range eggs for a deeper flavor.
Salt
Adding salt to your pasta dough not only enhances the flavor but also helps strengthen the gluten in the flour, resulting in a more elastic dough. Use kosher or sea salt for the best results, as they have a more complex flavor compared to regular table salt.
Olive Oil
While not a traditional ingredient in pasta dough, adding a small amount of olive oil can help create a smoother and more pliable dough. It also adds a subtle hint of flavor to the pasta.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
To make the dough, start by placing the flour and salt in a large bowl and making a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add a splash of olive oil. Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial in developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the pasta its desired texture.
Resting and Rolling Out the Dough
After kneading, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.
Once rested, the dough is ready to be rolled out using a pasta machine or a rolling pin. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut into your desired shape using a pasta cutter or a knife.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Italian fresh pasta dough may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it is a simple and rewarding process. Use this recipe as a starting point and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of flour or add herbs and spices to the dough for a unique flavor. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the delicious homemade pasta that you have created.
