There is something about winter that pulls us back into the kitchen.

The days are shorter. The light is softer. The house feels quieter. And suddenly, meals become less about convenience and more about comfort. On cold winter afternoons, when the snow sits quietly outside and the kitchen feels warm, homemade pasta is what I reach for again and again.

Homemade pasta and ravioli feel like one of those old-fashioned skills that sounds complicated, but really just asks you to slow down. Flour on the counter. Hands in the dough. A simple rhythm that grounds you in the moment. It does not need to be perfect. It just needs to be made with intention.

If you have ever thought homemade pasta felt intimidating, I want to gently remind you that it is far more approachable than it looks. You do not need a professional kitchen or expensive equipment to get started. We do use a pasta maker and a ravioli maker here on the homestead, and they make the process easier and faster, but everything in this recipe can absolutely be done by hand if that is what you have.

This is the kind of winter cooking that fills the house, slows the day, and brings everyone to the table.

Homemade Pasta Dough Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Start by mounding the flour directly on a clean counter or work surface. Use your fingers to create a well in the center of the flour. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.

Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs while slowly pulling flour in from the edges of the well. Continue until a shaggy dough begins to form. At this point, switch to your hands and begin kneading.

Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step takes a little time, but it is worth it. The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky.

Once kneaded, wrap the dough tightly or cover it with a bowl and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Resting the dough relaxes the gluten and makes it much easier to roll out later.

Simple Ravioli Filling

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated cheese, such as parmesan or mozzarella
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs like parsley or basil

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the ricotta, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside while you prepare the pasta dough.

This filling is intentionally simple. It allows the pasta itself to shine and pairs beautifully with butter, olive oil, or your favorite sauce.

Rolling and Assembling the Ravioli

Once the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered so it does not dry out.

Roll the dough thin using a rolling pin or a pasta maker. You want the sheets thin enough to see light through them, but still sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Lay one sheet of pasta flat on your work surface. Spoon small amounts of filling evenly spaced across the sheet. Lightly brush water around the filling to help seal the dough.

Place a second sheet of pasta on top and gently press around each mound of filling, removing any air pockets. Cut the ravioli using a ravioli cutter, knife, or ravioli maker.

Cooking the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a gentle boil. Add the ravioli and cook until they float to the surface, usually about 2 to 4 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Fresh ravioli cooks quickly and is best enjoyed right away while everything is warm and comforting.

Finish with butter, olive oil, or your favorite sauce. Simple is often best here.

Tools We Use for Homemade Pasta

While you can absolutely make this recipe by hand, we do use a pasta maker and ravioli maker here, and they make the process quicker and more consistent. All of the tools we use for homemade pasta and ravioli are linked in our Amazon storefront for easy reference.

https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-080c9cd8/curation/c0ac2efc-1260-4eac-895f-048129e0cf10?ref=ih_me_tab_sf&ccs_id=cf21fe0d-8ae7-4615-baab-00d1a5042a96&ref_=aip_sf_cur_spv_ofs_m

If you are just getting started, I always recommend beginning with what you already have and adding tools over time as you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

A Cozy Winter Ritual

Homemade pasta is not just a meal. It is an experience. One that slows the day, warms the house, and reminds you that food does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.

Save this recipe for a snowy afternoon or a quiet winter weekend when you want to make something from scratch and fill your home with warmth.

This is winter cooking at its coziest 🤍