1. Start by placing your flour on a clean, flat surface. Make a well in the center, like a little flour crater. This is where the magic begins.
2. Crack the eggs into the well, add the salt and olive oil if using. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges. This is where you start to feel the dough come alive under your hands—just like Mama Lu said, it’s about listening to the dough.
3. Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough. Don’t rush—press, fold, and turn for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it feels dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. If too sticky, dust with a bit more flour.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a bowl. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This rest allows the gluten to relax, making rolling easier—Mama Lu always said, “Patience is part of good cookin’.”
5. After resting, divide the dough into 2 or 3 pieces to make it easier to roll out. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, then roll each piece as thin as you can. If you don’t have a pasta machine, a good, sturdy rolling pin works just fine—just keep dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
6. Cut your rolled dough into the shape you love—fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even hand-cut squares for ravioli. For fettuccine, roll the dough into a loose cylinder and slice into 1/4-inch strips, then gently unroll.
7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Fresh pasta cooks quickly—usually 2 to 3 minutes. It will float to the top when it’s ready. Don’t overcook it; watch carefully and taste for that perfect tender bite.
8. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water if you plan to toss it with sauce. The starchy water helps sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

One of my favorite memories is sitting at the kitchen table, rolling dough with Mama Lu, watching her hands move with quiet confidence. She always said, “You can’t rush a good meal, and you can’t rush a good story.” This pasta recipe homemade is just like that—made with care, patience, and love.