Best Herb Pasta Dough Recipes

HERB PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• In a food processor combine the flour, salt, eggs, oil and 1/4 cup water; process until dough begins to form a ball. Add more water, only if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time. Process 30 seconds more to knead. Remove dough from processor and rest, covered with inverted bowl, at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Divide dough into 4 pieces. Set rollers of pasta machine at widest setting. Flatten 1 piece of dough into a rectangle (cover other pieces with inverted bowl). Lightly dust rectangle with flour and feed through rollers. Fold rectangle in half and feed through rollers 6 to 8 more times, folding in half each time and dusting lightly with flour to keep it from sticking to machine. Turn dial down one notch and feed the dough to last setting. Repeat with other 3 pieces.
• Cut sheets of dough into equal lengths. Cover surface of one sheet with fresh herb leaves (stems removed). Top with second dough sheet. With lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough sheets to seal. With pastry wheel or knife, cut dough into large shapes and dust very lightly with flour. Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet and dry slightly.

FRESH HERB PASTA DOUGH

Steps:

• Wash and dry your fresh herbs. Basil, chives, spinach, arugula, green onion, baby salad greens, or any combination of fresh herbs/greens will work well.
• Coarsely chop the herbs with kitchen shears or a knife. Place in a sturdy bowl and sprinkle with the coarse salt. Use a pestle, dowel or even the handle of a whisk to grind the salt and herbs together into a wet paste.
• Add the flour and eggs to the bowl and mix well. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until a rough dough forms and there's no dry flour in the bowl. The dough will be fairly stiff, and firmer than bread dough.
• Turn the dough out onto your work surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and springy. Wrap well in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Note: you may also choose to do this in a stand mixer, or in your bread machine set on the dough cycle. If you use your bread machine, cancel the cycle after about 10 minutes of kneading, and remove the dough.
• Following the instructions on your pasta machine, roll the dough to the desired thickness. Allow the sheets to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting into strips. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Cook the fresh pasta for 3 to 4 minutes, testing for doneness after 3 minutes. Drain the pasta and serve as desired. A simple dressing of melted butter and fresh Parmesan cheese is outstanding, and lets the flavors of the herbs shine through.