Discover the rich flavors and delightful textures of homemade mafaldine pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe. Mafaldine, also known as reginette, is a ribbon-shaped pasta characterized by its wide, wavy edges and flat center. Perfect for holding onto hearty sauces, this pasta variety is a favorite in Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Mafaldine Pasta

Mafaldine pasta hails from the Campania region of Italy and is named in honor of Princess Mafalda of Savoy. Its unique shape makes it an excellent choice for a variety of sauces, from creamy Alfredo to robust tomato-based sauces. Making mafaldine from scratch allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional Italian pasta and enjoy a fresher, more flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough:

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon water (optional, as needed)

For the Sauce (Creamy Alfredo Example):

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to customize the sauce according to your preference, such as a tomato-based marinara or a hearty Bolognese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Mafaldine Pasta

Prepare the Dough:
- On a clean countertop or in a large mixing bowl, mound the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt.

Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating the surrounding flour until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions.
- Using a pasta machine or rolling pin, roll each portion into a thin sheet, approximately 1-2 mm thick.
- Ensure the dough is uniformly thin to achieve the desired mafaldine shape.
Cut and Shape the Pasta:
- Lay the rolled dough flat and brush lightly with water to help it stick.
- Using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter, slice the dough into long strips about 1 cm wide.

Take each strip and gently pinch both ends alternately to create the characteristic wavy edges of mafaldine.
Hang the shaped pasta on a drying rack or lay it flat on a floured surface to dry slightly while preparing the sauce.

Preparing the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the mafaldine pasta for 2-3 minutes if fresh, or according to package instructions if dried.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the creamy mafaldine pasta to serving plates.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by extra grated Parmesan if desired.

Make Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Tips for Perfect Mafaldine Pasta

Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for elasticity, making it easier to roll out and shape.
Uniform Thickness: Ensure the pasta sheets are rolled to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
Shaping Technique: Gently pinching the pasta strips helps create the iconic wavy edges without tearing the dough.
Freshness Matters: Freshly made pasta cooks faster and has a superior texture compared to dried varieties.
Customize Your Sauce: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pairing with mafaldine.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation with fresh herbs like basil or thyme, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon to make the dish more substantial.
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Fresh Pasta: If not cooking immediately, dust the shaped pasta with flour and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Lay the pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
Reheating Pasta: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out, or microwave with a cover to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Creating delicious homemade mafaldine pasta is a rewarding culinary experience that brings authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen. With its beautiful shape and versatile pairing options, mafaldine pasta is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of crafting fresh pasta from scratch and savoring every bite of your homemade creation. Buon appetito!

Quick Reference

Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough resting)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance with your mafaldine pasta recipe. Enjoy your cooking!

Delicious Homemade Mafaldine Pasta Recipe