Indulge in Perfection with a KitchenAid Fresh Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creating fresh pasta from scratch is a delightful culinary experience that elevates any meal. Utilizing a KitchenAid stand mixer makes the process even more effortless, allowing for professional-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. With this KitchenAid fresh pasta recipe, you can craft delectable pasta that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

To prepare the perfect homemade pasta with your KitchenAid stand mixer, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: Semolina flour for dusting

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create an exceptional batch of fresh pasta using your KitchenAid stand mixer:

1. **Preparation:**
– Clear a large, clean space on your countertop for rolling out the pasta dough.
– Attach the flat beater to your KitchenAid stand mixer for mixing the dough.

2. **Mixing the Dough:**
– Add the all-purpose flour, eggs, and salt to the mixing bowl of the stand mixer.
– Start the mixer on speed 2 and mix for 30 seconds, allowing the ingredients to combine.
– Replace the flat beater with the dough hook and knead the dough on speed 2 for an additional 2 minutes.

3. **Kneading:**
– Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and hand-knead it for a few minutes. This will help ensure a smooth, elastic texture.

4. **Resting:**
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

5. **Rolling:**
– Divide the rested dough into manageable sections and flatten each piece with a rolling pin.
– Set up your KitchenAid pasta roller attachment and feed the dough through at the lowest setting.
– Fold the dough into thirds and roll it through the attachment again.
– Gradually decrease the setting and roll the dough through each setting twice until reaching the desired thickness.

6. **Cutting:**
– Replace the pasta roller with the desired pasta cutter attachment on the KitchenAid stand mixer.
– Feed the rolled dough through the cutter to create your preferred pasta shape.

7. **Drying:**
– Lightly dust the freshly cut pasta with semolina flour to prevent sticking.
– Arrange the pasta in single layers on a drying rack and let it air dry for approximately 15-30 minutes before cooking.

8. **Cooking:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the fresh pasta.
– Cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness and shape of the pasta, until al dente.
– Drain the pasta and serve it with your favorite sauce or toppings.

FAQ

**Q: Can I make the pasta dough ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before use. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

**Q: What can I do with leftover fresh pasta?**
A: If you have leftover fresh pasta, you can refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for later use. Be sure to dust the pasta with flour to prevent sticking before storing.

**Q: Can I use this recipe to make flavored pasta?**
A: Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like spinach, tomato paste, or herbs into the dough for vibrant and flavorful pasta variations.

**Q: Do I need to own a KitchenAid stand mixer to make fresh pasta?**
A: While a KitchenAid stand mixer and its pasta attachments streamline the process, you can still make fresh pasta using traditional methods, such as mixing and kneading by hand or using a manual pasta machine.

**Q: Can I use this pasta recipe for lasagna or stuffed pasta dishes?**
A: Yes, this fresh pasta recipe is versatile and can be used for a wide range of pasta dishes, including lasagna, ravioli, and tortellini.

With this easy-to-follow KitchenAid fresh pasta recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own delicious pasta from scratch. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual meal, the homemade touch will surely be appreciated by all.