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Smoking Chimney

Recipes from a working kitchen · Cape Town

Basic Pasta Dough

By Marna Ross Updated 12 August 2026 4.83 from 12 ratings
This basic pasta dough recipe is my recipe from chef school while I was studying at Warwick Chef School. I have kept this basic pasta recipe save from 2003 when graduated and I still frequently use this recipe when making fresh pasta at home. You can also invest in buying a good pasta machine. We found our one at @Home store - you will find one in nearly any mall these days. I always wanted a pasta machine for years, and 2 years ago I was so fortunate to be finally able to buy one! I also prefer to make this basic pasta dough recipe when making lasagne at home. The fresh pasta just works so much better than the sheets you buy in the local supermarkets. It is actually very easy to make and if you have an electrical Kenwood machine it will go even more quickly than by hand. You can make ravioli, tagliatelle, lasagna sheets and spaghetti with this recipe. Such a versatile basic pasta dough recipe. Pasta restaurants are popular all over the world and also people love Italian Restaurants! We are spoiled in our area by having the closest one nearby in Paarl - A quick drive from Wellington called Luigi's Restaurant in Paarl. The best beef ravioli I a have ever eaten and for my husband the best Seafood pasta. For sure a place to visit while in the Paarl area. The most beautiful setting, red decor and a fantastic vibe!!!!
Freshly rolled out smooth yellow basic pasta dough on a floured workbench.
Prep 15 min
Cook None
Total 15 min
Serves 6

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Ingredients

  • 850 g flour
  • 10 ml salt
  • 60 ml oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 180-300 ml water

Method

  1. Sift the dry ingredients and make a well in the middle

  2. Mix the oil, eggs and water separately in a jug

  3. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and knead well

  4. Add more water if necessary

  5. Form a smooth round ball and cover with cling

  6. Allow to rest 1-2 hours

  7. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin, the dough must be smooth

  8. Put through the pasta machine to make the desired type of pasta

  9. Cook in boiling salt water with oil until al dante.(firm to the tooth)

  10. Rinse and toss in a hot pan - season to taste.If not using pasta immediately, rinse in cold water

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