Yes, it’s totally possible—and often more fun.
As the founder of a business that specializes in artisanal pasta tools, I’m about to say something that might sound a little… contradictory:
You don’t need any special tools to make pasta from scratch. Not a pasta machine, not a ravioli stamp, not even a pasta wheel.
In fact, some of my favorite pasta-making moments have been in less-than-ideal conditions: vacation rentals, borrowed kitchens, Airbnbs in Italy. Making pasta without tools strips it down to what it’s really about—working with your hands, getting a little messy, and sharing something beautiful.
Whether you’re just getting started or simply improvising, here’s how to make pasta with zero fancy equipment. Just grab a few household basics and let’s dive in.
What to Use Instead of a Kitchen Scale
Measuring by weight is ideal for pasta dough—it gives you consistency and control. But if you don’t have a kitchen scale, don’t worry. Here’s your workaround:
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2/3 cup of flour per person
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1 egg per person (for egg pasta)
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Or 1/4 cup water per 2/3 cup of flour (for flour + water pasta)
Start by holding back a few tablespoons of flour, then add more as needed. You’re aiming for a dough that comes together easily, feels tacky (but not sticky), and holds its shape when kneaded.
No Wooden Pasta Board? No Problem.
That dreamy pasta board you’ve seen all over Instagram? Helpful, but not essential. Try one of these instead:
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A large wooden cutting board
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A clean countertop or tabletop
If you’re using a cutting board, place a damp dish towel or non-slip rug pad (cut to size) underneath to keep it steady as you knead.
No Pasta Machine? Try These Alternatives.
Rolling out pasta by hand is a beautiful, meditative process—and you don’t need Marcato Atlas 150 or Kitchen Aid attachment to do it.
Use any of the following:
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A wine bottle
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A smooth, non-tapered rolling pin
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A large glass water bottle (like San Pellegrino)
Pro tip: divide your dough into quarters before rolling. You’ll get more control and less frustration. And while you may not get it as thin as a machine would, your ribbons, sheets, or filled pastas will still taste amazing.
No Gnocchi Board? Use These Instead.
Gnocchi boards are fun, but not mandatory. Try one of these household objects to get texture on your pasta:
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The back of a fork
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A sushi rolling mat
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A fine mesh strainer
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The back of a box grater
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An embossed glass or teacup
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A clean drain catcher
Anything with ridges or pattern can add charm and texture to your pasta.
No Pasta Wheel or Pasta Bike? Here’s What Works.
To cut your dough, try:
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A pizza cutter
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A chef’s knife
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A metal bench scraper
To create evenly spaced noodles:
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Fold the sheet of dough gently, accordion-style.
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Use your knife to cut along the folds.
To cut out squares:
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Cut out a piece of paper the size of the square you need.
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Place it on your sheet of pasta dough and cut the dough with a knife along the edges of your square template.
It may not be as precise as a pasta bike, but it gets the job done—and you can call it rustic.
No ravioli stamp? Easy.
You don’t need a ravioli stamp or ravioli mold to make ravioli! In fact, there are some traditional ravioli recipes that don't use any stamps at all.
Here's the method:
- Sheet out your pasta dough into two large rectangles.
- Dot your filling onto the dough, spacing out the filling evenly.
- Then top with another sheet of pasta dough and use your fingertips to seal around the filling, getting all of the air out.
- Seal the rest of the dough, then use a knife or pizza cutter to cut out your ravioli.
The Truth About Tools
I love pasta tools. They’re beautiful, functional, and joyful to use. But they’re not the heart of the practice.
The heart is the dough in your hands. The flour on your shirt. The dinner you share with the people you love.
So if you’ve been holding off on making pasta because you don’t have the “right” equipment—this is your sign to begin anyway.
Final Thoughts: Pasta Is for Everyone
Homemade pasta isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation. You don’t need a drawer full of gadgets to make something delicious. With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can turn your everyday kitchen into a pasta lab.
And when you’re ready to upgrade? You know where to find us. 😉
Happy pasta-making!