How to Use a Pasta Machine for Perfect Thickness

Want perfect homemade pasta? Start by mastering your pasta machine's thickness settings. Here's what you need to know:

• Why Thickness Matters: It affects the pasta's texture, sauce absorption, and cooking time.
• Machine Settings: Most machines have numbered settings. Start thick (#1) and gradually go thinner.
• Dough Prep: Dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Rest it for 30 minutes before rolling.
• Rolling Steps: Begin at the widest setting, fold the dough, and reduce thickness step by step.

For best results, use the "light test" to check for the right thinness, and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Follow these steps, and you'll be rolling restaurant-quality pasta in no time!

How to Use a Pasta Machine & Make the Best Italian Pasta

Pasta Machine Settings Guide

Pasta machine settings differ by model, and understanding them is key to achieving consistent and professional results.

Reading Thickness Numbers

Most pasta machines use numbered settings, but these numbers aren't universal across brands. For instance, the Dream Machine's thickest setting (#1) produces eight sheets that stack to over 1 inch, while the Atlas 150's #1 setting results in eight sheets totaling 3/4 inch .

Here’s a helpful guide to interpret your machine's settings:

An easy way to estimate your machine's settings is by using standard playing cards as a reference. One to two cards typically match the thinnest setting, while six cards represent a thicker setting . With this in mind, follow the steps below to align your machine's settings.

Step-by-Step Thickness Reduction

Use the thickness measurements above as a starting point to calibrate your machine.

1. Initial Measurement
   Roll out dough at each setting, cut and stack eight sheets, and measure the total thickness .
2. Label Your Machine
   Based on your measurements, label your machine with "thick", "medium", and "thin." This makes it easier to follow recipes with varying numbering systems .
3. Gradual Adjustment
   Start with the widest setting and gradually decrease thickness. This prevents tearing and ensures even dough. Machines typically offer 6 to 9 settings, depending on the model .

To streamline your pasta-making process, note the specific settings on your machine that correspond to these thicknesses. This custom reference ensures consistent results, no matter the recipe.

Getting Your Dough Ready

Correct Dough Texture

Great pasta starts with well-prepared dough. It should feel like a firm ball of Play-Doh - smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky . When you press your finger into it, the dough should spring back .

Here are common dough texture problems and how to fix them:

If you find yourself needing more than a light dusting of flour, your dough is likely too wet.

Dough Rest and Portion Size

Resting your dough is key to achieving the right thickness for pasta. Laura Scaduto from King Arthur Baking explains:

"Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes (or as directed in the recipe) before using it in the machine" .

Why is resting important? Two things happen during this time:

• The flour fully absorbs the moisture.
• The gluten relaxes, making the dough easier to roll and less likely to spring back .

Once the dough has rested for 30 minutes, divide it into four equal portions. Keep each piece wrapped to prevent it from drying out . Shape each portion into a 6–8-inch-wide oval disc before running it through the pasta machine .

If you’re prepping dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling - cold dough will be too stiff to work with . With rested and portioned dough, you’re all set to create perfect pasta.

Steps to Roll Perfect Pasta

First Pass on Wide Setting

Start with rested dough for better elasticity. Set your pasta machine to its widest setting. Take a portion of dough and flatten it into a 1/4-inch rectangle. Feed it through the machine from the short side, supporting it with your hand to avoid stretching or tearing. Repeat this step three times to build gluten structure and ensure an even texture.

Folding Methods

Letter Fold

Dust the dough lightly with semolina. Fold it into thirds, like folding a business letter, to create layers that strengthen the dough.

Conveyor Belt Technique

Run the dough through the machine again, stopping midway. Bring the two ends together, overlapping them slightly, and pinch them to stick. Continue feeding the dough through until it forms a continuous sheet resembling a conveyor belt.

Decreasing Thickness Settings

After folding, gradually reduce the thickness settings to create the perfect pasta sheet. Move through the settings step by step to prevent tearing or unevenness.

Key checkpoints during this process:

• Initial Passes: Ensure the sheet is even and rectangular. Rough edges or tears indicate issues.
• Middle Settings: Look for consistent thickness and avoid rollers sticking to the dough.
• Final Passes: The sheet will become more translucent. Check carefully for holes or breakage.

If the dough tears, it might be too soft, too dry, or improperly floured. Ensure the settings aren't too aggressive, and clean the rollers if the dough starts sticking. Always reduce the thickness one setting at a time to keep the dough intact.

sbb-itb-c693c43

Thickness Guide by Pasta Type

Thickness Chart for Common Pastas

Getting the right pasta thickness is key to achieving the perfect texture and cooking results. Here's a quick reference for standard settings on popular pasta machines like the Atlas 150 Marcato and KitchenAid attachments:

These settings are a guideline. If you're using a different machine, you may need to tweak the settings slightly.

For fettuccine, aim for a 1-mm thickness, similar to a credit card. This ensures the pasta has the right balance of texture and cooks evenly. To double-check, use the light test.

Light Test for Thickness

Hold your pasta sheet up to a light source. If you can see a clear shadow of your hand through the dough, you’re good to go.

For ravioli or other filled pastas, the dough should be thin enough to show a hand shadow but sturdy enough to hold the filling. If it looks too opaque, roll it thinner.

If the dough starts resisting while rolling, cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to handle without tearing or overstretching.

Before cutting your pasta, let the sheets dry slightly for 5–15 minutes. This step creates a firmer, "leathery" texture, which helps prevent sticking and ensures clean, precise cuts.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here’s how to solve some typical issues that can arise during the pasta rolling process, ensuring your pasta maintains the right thickness and texture.

Fixing Sticky and Torn Dough

Sticky dough often means there’s too much moisture or not enough flour. As Laura Scaduto from King Arthur Baking explains:

"If your dough is too wet, it will stick to the rollers, making the process difficult" .

To fix sticky dough:

• Lightly dust both the dough and rollers with flour before each pass.
• If needed, knead in additional flour one tablespoon at a time.
• Use a dry brush to clean the rollers after use - don’t oil them.

If your dough tears, let it rest at room temperature before running it through the machine again. This helps relax the gluten and reduces tearing.

Making Thickness Even

To keep the thickness consistent, follow these steps:

• Flatten the dough slightly with a rolling pin before using the machine.
• Feed the dough vertically through the center of the rollers.
• Fold the dough into thirds (like folding a letter) and rotate it 90 degrees before the next pass .

Apply steady, gentle tension as you feed the dough through the rollers. This keeps the edges straight and minimizes uneven areas.

Fixing Holes in Pasta

Holes in your pasta sheet? Here’s how to handle them:

For small holes:

• Fold the sheet and re-roll it at the same setting.
• Add a bit more flour between passes to prevent sticking.
• Avoid re-kneading dough that’s already been rolled.

For larger tears:

• Lightly dampen the edges with your finger.
• Fold the sheet and re-roll it, again using the same setting.
• Gradually move to thinner settings as the dough smooths out.

Tip: If you notice uneven holes on one side, it might be from applying inconsistent pressure. Keep an even grip as the dough enters the rollers.

Cosmic Aprons: Keep Your Clothes Clean While Making Pasta

Making pasta can get messy - flour flying everywhere, dough sticking to your hands, and spills are all part of the process. That’s where Cosmic Aprons comes in. Their aprons are designed to protect your clothes and make cleanup easier during those pasta-making marathons.

Here are two great options from Cosmic Aprons:

• Professional Grade Chef and Kitchen Apron with Pockets ($30.00): This apron comes with adjustable straps for a perfect fit and pockets to keep your tools within reach.
• Heavy BBQ and Kitchen Apron ($31.00): Built for durability, this apron is perfect for long cooking sessions and stands up to heavy use.

These aprons combine practicality and comfort, letting you focus on your pasta-making without worrying about the mess.

Wrapping It Up

By now, you’ve got the tools to elevate your pasta-making game. Understanding your pasta machine’s thickness settings is key to crafting pasta that’s just right - whether you’re aiming for hearty, thicker noodles or delicate, paper-thin strands.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind for consistent results:

• Start wide, then narrow down: Begin with the widest setting and gradually move to thinner ones.
• Follow the machine’s guidelines: Stick to the recommended settings for your specific model.
• Check the texture: Smooth, uniform sheets are what you’re aiming for - no tears or rough patches.
• Dust lightly with flour: This prevents sticking and keeps the process smooth.

Don’t forget to protect your workspace (and yourself). An apron can save your clothes and even keep your tools close at hand.

With practice, you’ll learn to fine-tune your machine for the perfect texture. Thickness charts are helpful as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to tweak the settings to match your preferences. Stick to these steps, and you’ll be rolling out flawless pasta in no time.