If you are looking for a pasta that doesn’t require a pasta roller, then you must try pici pasta! It is one of the easiest pastas to make, and requires no tools, and is even egg free!

Pici pasta is a thick, hand-rolled pasta that originates from Tuscany, Italy. It’s known for its unique texture and rustic charm. Unlike traditional pasta shapes, pici is made by rolling simple ingredients, such as flour and water, into long, thick strands. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian word “appicciare,” which means “to stick together” – an apt description for these chunky noodles.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • 00 Italian Flour – this flour is the best for making pasta and pizza! It is much finer in texture and also has a lower protein content which results in a silkier, smoother pasta that has better texture. If you can’t find 00 flour, you can use AP flour.
  • Salt – if you want your pasta to have flavor, don’t forget the salt!
  • Olive oil – use this for texutre, but can use any oil you have.
  • Warm water – this recipe uses water instead of eggs. Make sure it is warm for easier kneading and texture.

Tips for Making Pici Pasta:

  • Combine the ingredients and knead – the key to kneading is knead until the dough is smooth and has almost an elastic feel to it, this means that the gluten strands have developed enough and will make the pasta stretchy and have the pasta texture.
  • Rest your dough – after kneading, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and rest on the counter for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten strands to relax, so you can roll it out and stretch after. If you don’t rest the dough, it will result in a tough pasta.
  • Roll the pasta out with your hands – you can cut into strips and then roll with your hands. No need to flour the surface, it is harder to roll the pasta with your hands when it dousn’t stick slightly. If needed, add a little oil and roll out.
  • Boil in heavily salted water – this gives flavor!
  • Only boil until it floats to the surface, around 2-3 minutes.
@kellyscleankitchen

How to make Pici Pasta 🍝 #pasta #picipasta #howtomakepasta

♬ On an Evening in Roma – Dean Martin
  • SERVINGS:  2
  • PREP TIME: 20 Mins
  • COOK TIME: 3 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 Min

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup 00 flour or AP flour
  • Pinch of salt  
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Add flour to a bowl and whisk in the salt. Create a well in the center and add the warm water and olive oil, and slowly incorporate with a fork to form a rough dough.

STEP 2.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead the dough for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.

STEP 3.

Cut into smaller portions, about ⅓ at a time. Cut into wide strips with a bench scraper or knife. Using your fingers, roll the strip into a thin strand, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and dust with flour. Do this with the remainder of the dough.

STEP 4.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Add the pasta, and cook for 3 minutes. Sauce and serve!

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