Homemade Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
By Amanda Paa – Updated September 23, 2024
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For the most part, I haven’t missed many foods since I went gluten free years ago. Usually I can adapt whatever I’m craving into a gluten free version without much difference, like pizza, casseroles, gluten-free gnocchi, and even donuts.
But there’s one thing I’ve been longing for: the silky handmade tagliatelle from Cossetta’s, made by the hands of elderly Italian women, who roll out the dough each day the same as they’ve done for the past 70 years.
I’m longing no more, all thanks to my friend Robin Asbell and her new cookbook, Gluten-Free Pasta. Since last fall when her and I spoke about the hours upon hours she was perfecting the different dough recipes, I’ve been so excited to try her final version. After a few days “cooking the book”, I can attest that the results of her work are simply brilliant.
When I began rolling out the dough into thin sheets of fresh pasta, I nearly wept with joy. As I put the sheets through the machine once again, perfect strands of tagliatelle fell into my flour dusted hands like magic.
Ingredients for Fresh Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
Robin’s base recipe for fresh pasta calls for a combination of tapioca flour, millet flour, sweet rice flour, and arrowroot starch, each having their own purpose in creating a texture that mimics regular pasta in the closest way possible.
The addition of whey powder (which you can find at co-ops or health stores) or dried milk powder adds protein, which gives the dough strength in the absence of gluten.
A combination of guar guam and xanthum gum give the pasta structure and firmness when boiled.
This may seem like quite a few ingredients to have on hand, but they’re essential in stocking a gluten free pantry so it’s worth buying them. You’ll definitely use them in other gluten free recipes if you don’t already. Plus, once you try this glorious pasta you’ll be headed back to the kitchen to make gluten-free ravioli.
Although making fresh pasta, gluten free or not, does take some time, tasting the finished product knowing that it was my hands that did the work provides for an amazingly satisfying experience. I know not everyone feels the same way though, and so did Robin, which is why any of the recipes (over 100!) can be made with store bought gluten free (or regular) pasta. My favorite is Tinkyada, which you can find pretty much everywhere.
Additionally there’s instruction and recipes for creating vegetable noodles with zucchini, squash, or even collard greens, as well as another creative pasta substitute – “egg crepes” that can be used as cannelloni or sliced into strands.
I’ve also posted a gluten-free ravioli with this base recipe, too!
Tips for Making Gluten Fee Pasta Dough
- Don’t be afraid to use a little more water as needed to bring the dough together and make it workable.
- Roll the dough out into rectangles with a rolling pan first, on a floured surface, then begin to work it into the pasta maker.
- I found that starting on the 5th setting of the pasta making, then once on each lower setting until I reach 2 made was perfect – thin and lanky yet held its structure when cooked.
- Because gluten free flours are more absorbent than regular, it only needs about 1 1/2 minutes in boiling water to fully cook. Make sure to rinse with warm water, as this helps remove some of the starches ,which if left on do make the pasta gummy.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (90g) arrowroot starch (can substitute cornstarch which is what I used)
- 1/2 cup (60g) tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup (80g) sweet rice flour
- 1/4 cup (49g) millet flour
- 3 tablespoons unflavored whey protein powder OR 3/4 cup (53 g) non-fat dry milk powder
- 1 tablespoon guar gum
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Measure out the arrowroot starch, tapioca flour, sweet rice flour, millet flour, whey protein, guar gum, xanthan gum and salt and put in the bowl of a stand mixer or a food processor (which is what I used).
- In a large measuring cup, stir the eggs with the water and add to the dry ingredients. Mix on low until the dough starts to come together in chunks. Turn off the mixer and press the chunks together a couple of times to form a stiff dough.
- Turn up the mixer speed and beat for two minutes. In the processor, the machine will start to labor when the dough is getting stiff, so take the dough out and knead it manually.
- Divide the dough in 4-ounce portions, wrap the portions you are not using with plastic wrap, and either roll out with a rolling pin on the counter, or in a pasta making machine.
- Make into sheets, then cut into noodles.
- Cook the noodles in salted boiling water for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then test. They should be tender but firm, just a little softer than al dente dried pasta. Drain and rinse well with warm water if using warm, or cold if using cold, and serve immediately.
Notes
recipe from Gluten Free Pasta cookbook, by Robin Asbell
- Don’t be afraid to use a little more water as needed to bring the dough together, a tablespoon at a time, if it’s feeling dry, to make it more workable.
Did you make this?
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March 23, 2014
Alene
November 6, 2022
I can’t eat anything made with rice. It’s difficult because most of the gluten free blends use rice flour. I got arsenic poisoning from all the rice I was eating. Pretty scary. I am assuming you haven’t tried replacing the rice flour. It’s only a half a cup, so, perhaps, if I split the difference between the tapioca and the millet, that might work. What do you think? Thank you.
Jenny
March 13, 2022
Now I’ve tried the recipe with flax seed eggs (3 tablespoons of ground flax seed + 9 tablespoons of water rested until thick). Works great! I needed a bit more water than the recipe called for, and I also really needed to work the dough before using the pasta machine, but the result was great. Now I can make pasta that works fpr both me and my husband. Thank you for the recipe!
Amanda Paa
March 13, 2022
so great to hear, thanks for the update!
Jenny
March 7, 2022
Can I substitute the eggs with something else? Aquafaba?. My husband is allergic to eggs and I’m gluten intolerant, so it’s a bit of a challenge to find a pasta dough recipe that works for the both of us.
Amanda Paa
March 7, 2022
hello! i haven’t tried substituting the eggs with this recipe.
Andrew
July 21, 2020
Have you (or anyone) tried this recipe with a pasta extruder? I have the KitchenAid extruder, and for a standard egg noodle (decidedly NOT gluten-free), the dough wants to be a little softer than what I might make and use with our Atlas pasta maker. I’d love to try out a GF-pasta recipe as most store-bought stuff has been disappointing. Also, it would be nice to experiment.
Becca
January 3, 2020
Hi! Sorry if this has already been answered in the comments, but does this pasta need to be prepped and cooked all at the same time, or could you put the dough in the fridge before rolling, or the sheets / noodles in the fridge before boiling? Just wondering what could be done ahead of time if making for guests. Thanks for sharing, really excited to try this!
amandapaa
January 4, 2020
Yes, you could put the dough in the refrigerator up to 8 hours before cooking! Just be sure to put them in a fully enclosed container so the pasta doesn’t dry out.
Francesca
July 5, 2018
Can this pasta be made ahead of time and then frozen into nests?
amandapaa
July 6, 2018
Hi Francesca! I would not recommend freezing this pasta.
Tara
December 7, 2017
This looks like a great option for real pasta although I’ve never made it myself. I typically go for zoodles but need real pasta every now and then. I just might try my hand at it. Thanks for sharing!
Kelli
June 8, 2016
Looking for a GF recipe I made a while back. These ingredients are the same but the recipe I used, the noodles didn’t have to boil. Have you ever made the lasagna without boiling them? Thanks.
amandapaa
June 8, 2016
Hi Kelli! I’ve never made lasagna noodles with these, or without boiling. I have seen some gf no boil lasagna noodles from Tinkyada though.
Chrissy
May 12, 2016
Hi Amanda!
Do you think this recipe would hold up for a cannelloni? I made some gf cannelloni a few years ago but lost the recipe. It’s my hubby’s favourite dish and I hope to make it this weekend for his bday.
Thanks!
amandapaa
May 12, 2016
Yes, i think it would work for cannelloni! i haven’t tried it, but the dough is nice and pliable. i would just make sure not to overcook it.
Angela
March 19, 2016
Our family has recently gone gluten free due to our daughters intolerance, I tried this recipe because I have been missing fresh pasta; all I can say is WOW! Thank you! Thank you for creating a pasta is on par with any fresh wheat pasta out there, and a dream to work with.
amandapaa
March 21, 2016
Angela, so glad you enjoyed the fresh pasta! Have you gotten the cookbook? It’s so amazing. Highly recommend it for more recipes like this!
Laura
March 10, 2016
Thank you for posting! I have been looking for a good GFree pasta recipe for all over a year, and haven’t liked any I have tried. None have come close to comparing to my ‘gluten’ fresh pasta, which kills me. I can’t wait to try this!
amandapaa
March 13, 2016
hope you enjoy Laura! we always love it. a special dinner for sure.
Andrea
March 1, 2016
Can you suggest something to be used in place of the eggs, that do not contain flax, soy or nuts?
amandapaa
March 2, 2016
Hi Andrea! I haven’t tested it without eggs or flax eggs, so sorry I can’t be of more help.
Mike Perry
October 4, 2015
This looks and sounds absolutely wonderful. Would you happen to know the nutritional information? I am looking especially for carb count, fiber, fat, sugar, and calories. If you could share this info, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your recipes.
Amanda Paa
October 4, 2015
hi Mike! all of the food is made with health and happiness in mind, therefore i don’t calculate the nutritional information.
Lindsay
July 31, 2015
I’ve tried this plain and it was good, even my 6 1/2 yr old kid loved it lol. today i’m attempting to add some flavors, spinach and carrot. About to go roll it out and see if it worked. Taste test at dinner tonight. :) I also use a gf flour blend i get in bulk at my grocery store instead of all the different flours. Total of 2 cups for a full batch.
Amanda Paa
July 31, 2015
Oh, so glad you’ve enjoyed the recipe Lindsay – appreciate you letting me know! And those flavor additions sound amazing. they’ll take on such a pretty color too!
Lindsay
July 31, 2015
Rolling it out was a little tricky. I did add extra flour and all that too.
Lindsay
July 31, 2015
They smell good lol. I think I should have used 4 eggs instead of only 3. I did a whole batch but split it in half for each flavor. I also added a smidge of olive oil to each. It tended to go all “flaky” on me when i rolled it. it would stay together for the most part but the top/bottom would flake a bit like a crescent roll. if that makes sense lol.
Marlo
June 1, 2015
I didn’t have time to read through all the comments but; has anyone made this dough into ravioli?
Amanda Paa
June 1, 2015
Hi Marlo! I actually did a post on ravioli that I made with this dough. Works great, and you can use whatever filling you’d like. https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2014/recipes/gluten-free-ravioli-meat-ricotta-lemon-dill-sauce/
Emily Wells
May 6, 2015
Hi! I am wanting to get into making my own gf pasta, but I have never made pasta before. What kind of pasta maker works the best? Also, do pasta makers just flatten out the dough, or do they actually cut the pasta as well?
Elaine
April 19, 2015
I would love to try this pasta. I have an extruding pasta machine; do you think this recipe would be workable with that? Thank you.
Amanda Paa
April 19, 2015
Hi Elaine! I’d love for you to try the pasta too. I’ve never used an extruding pasta machine for this recipe, but I would think it should work. I would just be careful to not get it too thin. Even with the hand machine, it took a little practice.
Lynda
March 22, 2015
Would this recipe hold up to being a pierogi?
Amanda Paa
March 23, 2015
Hi Lynda! I definitely think it would if you boiled them, then quickly sauteed. I made ravioli with the recipe and it worked fabulously: https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2014/recipes/gluten-free-ravioli-meat-ricotta-lemon-dill-sauce/
Henry
January 22, 2015
your recipes and help has been a positive inspiration for me and my wife. We started a small Gluten Free Pasta business and we experiment with many gluten free flours and powders in our recipes. Our customers love our many different flavores and awesome taste.
Yuo can check us out on our FCebook page “J&HPastalicious”. Thank you for the inspiration. …. Henry & Judy
Amanda Paa
January 22, 2015
Hi Henry & Judy! How lovely to get your message. And thankful that there are people like you taking the chance to build great gluten-free companies whether that be large or small. Good luck on your journey, checking out your page right now! Amanda
Chessie
December 27, 2014
I am vegan and was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, so I definitely feel the pain of the dairy-free people who have commented here. I haven’t tried making pasta yet, but I did buy a bag of xanthan gum (from Bob’s Red Mill, a company that is very careful about cross-contamination) to use in egg- and dairy-free baking. Xanthan gum can do a lot in place of gluten for baked goods. I’ll have to do a bunch of experimenting, but I’m wondering if, between xanthan gum and chickpea flour or soy flour, some kind of vegan, GF noodle might be workable.
Amanda Paa
October 16, 2014
i haven’t tried making it dairy free so i can’t attest to that. the milk powder makes it soft and pliable. if you try an adaptation, i’d love to hear how it works out!
Meg @ Beard and Bonnet
October 13, 2014
How funny I found this today…I just bought the book and plan to make pasta this afternoon. Yours looks SO good!!!
Amanda Paa
October 13, 2014
Meg, crazy! What are the chances of that. I love this book so much. It has so many great sauces and flavor combinations beyond the homemade gluten-free pasta. Let me know what you think!
Magic and Mayhem
August 2, 2014
Looks lovely! I have a pasta machine that I got at a thrift store years ago that I just love. Best $20 ever spent and the homemade GF dough I make with it is so much tastier than any of the store bought stuff — not to mention cheaper since I cook for our family of 7 and company and make a lot of pasta. :)
Here’s the recipe I created and it’s very mix-and-match with the flours and starches you can use. http://www.examiner.com/article/how-to-make-easy-gluten-free-pasta-with-your-pasta-machine It is dairy free, though I’ve never tried it without eggs.
Once I got the hang of it, I could have the first batch made by the time the water boiled so it’s almost as fast as making the packaged stuff at this point.
I have never had a problem with it falling apart or needing soy or whey powder. If you look at the ingredients for most GF pasta it’s generally just one grain and not even xanthan gum (brown rice pasta ingredients are usually: brown rice, for instance) so for people that can’t have dairy or soy, I would not worry at all. I find GF pasta to be much easier than I was afraid it would be!
JDontz
January 22, 2016
Thank you for your link! I’m excited to make your pasta!
Ariana
July 26, 2014
Question: I’m interested in making this as a gift for a friend who does not eat gluten. I know some pastas (especially egg-based) are not supposed to dry well and should be frozen instead. Do you have any thoughts on drying vs freezing this recipe? Or should it even be attempted? Thanks!
Amanda Paa
July 27, 2014
Hi Ariana! This gluten free pasta definitely freezes well, but I would avoid drying it. I’ve had a lot of success making it into ravioli, then freezing or making the dough, then freezing and rolling out into noodles when unfrozen. Hope that helps, and what a fun gift!
Dovile
July 21, 2014
Hi, thank you for the great recipe, I have tried it just now and it did taste like a real pasta. I made spaghetti, tagliatelle and used the same dough to make some ravioli. Unfortunately I did not have any milk powder so had to skip it. It still worked however batter was slightly fragile. Following the recipe my dough was too dry and not sticking together so I had to add some olive oil and quite a bit of water. Maybe it had something to do with climate since it is very hot where I live.
Amanda Paa
July 21, 2014
Hi Dovile – So glad you tried the pasta recipe and enjoyed it! The milk powder does have binding properties, which is probably why you needed to add more water/olive oil. Good to know that it is still works this way! Have a great week.
Fiona
April 30, 2014
Maybe a pea protein powder instead of whey?
amandapaa
May 1, 2014
Hi Fiona! I’ve never worked with pea protein before so unfortunately I’m not very knowledgeable about how it works in gluten-free cooking. Do you have experience with it? Sounds interesting!
artur cesar
April 25, 2014
Dear Amanda, Hi from Brazil!
Very nice article! I was looking for a nice recipe and it looks like I found it.
I will test it and let you know the results.
Thanks.
Artur
amandapaa
April 25, 2014
Hi Artur- Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the pasta, hope you enjoy it!
Alanna
April 12, 2014
Oooh! I’ve been wanting to try making fresh GF pasta, and this looks superb. Thank you for posting!
amandapaa
April 12, 2014
Alanna, thanks for stopping by! Even though it takes a little time to make, this gluten free pasta is so worth it…. Not to say that I won’t ever buy boxed again, but I’m kind of in love with the fresh stuff! Hope you have a great weekend.
Zoe Julian
March 29, 2014
This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing with us and for all of your helpful hints and another wonderful recipe to try this week. Is there any chance that you could share your doughnut recipe with us at some point? I have been trying to find a good one that is gluten free but I can’t seem to find one that doesn’t have a weird aftertaste or texture. It is the one thing I can’t seem to manage. Thanks!
amandapaa
March 30, 2014
Hello Zoe! Thanks for stopping by and the nice comments. I actually have a brown butter donut recipe in my cookbook, Smitten with Squash that will be published this July and is available for pre-order on Amazon right now! I find the key is baking them at a lower temperature and using Cup4Cup flour, which has the best overall flavor and texture of the gf flour mixes on the market. Have a great day!
Noella
March 28, 2014
Looks like a great recipe. Any ideas, due to allergies, on what can be substituted for the dairy and the eggs?
amandapaa
March 29, 2014
Hi Noella! You could substitute whey powder for the dried milk powder, with the amount listed in the recipe, but I don’t think an egg replacement like ground flax or chia seeds would work. Sorry :(
BT
April 6, 2014
Hello! I was wondering the same thing – but whey is dairy. Thoughts?
amandapaa
April 12, 2014
Becca – thanks for clarifying that whey is dairy, my mistake. I think it would be difficult to get the same texture without using the dairy component because it helps with the elasticity and softness of the dough. I have a feeling it would turn out rather stiff and break without it. Sorry :( You may want to contact Robin, the author of the book and ask her. Her twitter handle is @robinasbell – hope that helps!
Doris K
January 12, 2016
There are non-dairy milk powders available now. They should work in this recipe. One of which comes to mind is Better than Milk Vegan Rice Powder. Hope this helps.
amandapaa
January 12, 2016
good to know, thanks for the information Doris!
Alison
March 27, 2014
That’s some pretty gorgeous pasta!
amandapaa
March 28, 2014
Thanks Alison! I’m so glad we’ve connected. Look forward to chatting with you more.
Rachelle of Mommy? I'm Hungry!
March 27, 2014
Your pasta looks sooo beautiful! I’ve been making my own GF pasta too and recently got that pasta attachment for my mixer but haven’t yet tried it. I really must do that soon! I love pasta and would love to try this book out!
amandapaa
March 27, 2014
Nice Rachelle! I borrowed this pasta maker but I can’t wait to get my own. I’m going to be needing it with all the gluten free pasta I’m making! I’ll have another post up next week about making ravioli.
Morgan
March 23, 2014
Ohmyword, this looks yummy! I have an old Atlas pasta machine I look forward to dusting off to make this!!! Great, mouthwatering pics… now I’m hungry. Gave this book to a friend as a hostess gift, need to get a copy for myself!
amandapaa
March 23, 2014
Hi Morgan! I’m so glad you stopped by – I have followed your blog for quite awhile and have always loved your posts and authentic voice. Plus you’re from Minnesota too ;)! I borrowed this pasta maker from a friend, but I am definitely getting my own now. It really isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to make fresh pasta. Have a great weekend!
Morgan
March 24, 2014
Well we MUST get together over coffee {or a “stem”} and share notes! I’m game!
amandapaa
March 25, 2014
Yes, I would love either! I’m out of town early April, but would love to plan something for later in the month.
Ruby
March 23, 2014
Ooh my this looks scrumptious. I’m afraid of making my own pasta, just because it seems quite labor-intensive, but you’ve inspired me to give it a go if I can manage to gather all of the ingredients!
amandapaa
March 23, 2014
Hi Ruby! I know, I was always afraid to make my own pasta too but it really is no more difficult than a pie crust. And it’s soooo worth it! I never thought I’d be able to make gluten free pasta that tasted and had the same texture as wheat pasta but this truly does. Let me know how it goes if you do decide to make it!