Homemade Pasta Without a Pasta Machine (Easy Hand-Rolled Recipe)
If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade pasta without a pasta machine, you’re in the right place. This simple, beginner-friendly method shows you exactly how to make pasta dough from scratch, roll it out with a rolling pin, and cut it by hand—no special tools required.
Equipment
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 pot for boiling
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 3 eggs
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Mix the Dough: On a clean surface, mound your flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add salt and olive oil. Use a fork to gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little flour. If too dry, add a tiny splash of water.
Let It Rest: Wrap the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Roll the Pasta by Hand: Divide the dough into smaller pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece as thin as possible (about 1/16 inch thick).
Cut Pasta Without a Machine: Lightly flour the sheet, fold it loosely, and cut into strips using a sharp knife
Cook the Pasta: Boil in salted water for 2–4 minutes until tender. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Video
Notes
- Dough should be soft and smooth. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if dry, wet your hands and continue kneading.
- Resting the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential for easy rolling—don’t skip this step.
- Roll the dough thin enough to slightly see your hand through for the best texture.
- Fresh pasta cooks quickly (2–4 minutes), so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Lightly flour the cut pasta to prevent sticking before cooking.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen after cutting.
- No rolling pin? A bottle works just as well.