Homemade pasta has been a staple in my life. I was first introduced to the craft at age 8, when my mom returned from the store with a chrome Marcato Atlas hand-crank pasta machine. It started as a meal I’d make for special occasions, but over time, it has become much more than just a meal. So much so, in fact, that it became the central theme of my Common App essay when I was applying to college. There's something deeply satisfying about taking a few common household ingredients and turning them into a meal. The process does take more time and effort than cracking open a box of store-bought pasta, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
As a college student, the words I often look for in a recipe are “basic” or “easy.” While you can use a hand-crank pasta machine or a KitchenAid attachment if available, you can also make this recipe without any additional equipment. Beyond that, you need the following ingredients: flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt.
Ingredients and Supplies
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon salt
Pasta machine
Directions
Gather all ingredients
Mix flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt in a bowl or standing mixer until almost combined.
If too dry, add more olive oil. If too sticky, add more flour.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until a smooth, thick dough forms.
Let dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 8 balls, and flatten with hands enough to fit into the pasta machine. Lightly flour dough before putting into the machine, and after it is cut into desired shapes.
Alternatively, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness between 1/8 and 1/16 of an inch, depending on preferred thickness. Lightly flour the dough and cut into desired shapes using a sharp straight-edge knife.
Boil in water for 2 minutes, and then add desired toppings!
Author’s Notes
This recipe makes enough dough for 2 servings of linguini.
It is important to flour the pasta well, as it can easily stick together.