Tired of bland, store-bought pasta? Craving a truly delicious, homemade meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple, yet impressive, homemade pasta recipe, perfectly crafted for your KitchenAid mixer! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for a special occasion. It's a delicious journey into the world of homemade cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
This recipe leverages the power of your KitchenAid mixer to effortlessly create a smooth and elastic pasta dough. Begin by fitting your mixer with the dough hook attachment. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Crack the eggs into the well, along with the olive oil.
Step 2: Mixing with the KitchenAid
Turn your KitchenAid mixer on low speed, gradually incorporating the flour into the eggs. As the dough starts to come together, increase the speed to medium-low. Continue mixing until a smooth and slightly elastic dough forms. This process should take approximately 5-7 minutes. If the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
Step 3: Kneading and Resting
Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for another 2-3 minutes by hand. This extra kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a smoother pasta texture. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and prevent tearing.
Step 4: Rolling and Cutting
After resting, divide the dough into four equal portions. Keep three portions covered while you work with the first. Using a pasta machine (or your KitchenAid pasta roller attachment if you have one), roll out one portion of the dough, starting with the widest setting. Gradually reduce the setting, passing the dough through the machine several times until you achieve your desired thickness.
Step 5: Cutting the Pasta
Once rolled, you can cut the pasta using a pasta cutter attachment on your KitchenAid, or a knife, into your preferred shape—fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti. Lightly dust the cut pasta with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cooking and Serving
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add the fresh pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with your favorite sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade pasta!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta:
- Don't overwork the dough. Over-kneading can result in tough pasta.
- Let the dough rest. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and easy-to-roll dough.
- Use a good quality flour. All-purpose flour works well, but you can experiment with other flours for different textures and flavors.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the pasta. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Variations:
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor: try adding dried oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use different types of flour: experiment with semolina flour or whole wheat flour for a unique taste and texture.
- Create different pasta shapes: Use various attachments for your pasta machine or get creative with a knife to create unique shapes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 2-3g
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought pasta. It's a perfect quick dinner idea and easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own delicious dishes from scratch! This homemade pasta is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!