A couple years ago I booked an Italian pasta class, unaware of what I was getting myself into. It was an afternoon class in central Rome, close to the hotel where my husband and I were staying. We actually almost missed it, having taken a mid-day siesta to avoid the July heat and crowds of the city. We woke up in a panic, got changed, and proceeded to literally run through the cobbled streets to the Campo di Fiori outdoor market, the location of our group’s meeting point. I am so thankful we made that jog, because the class ended up being one of the most memorable experiences on the trip.
Our cooking instructors were a lovely couple who welcomed our group of 10 to an apartment up the street with the most amazing rooftop patio. It was outside in the fresh air, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the city below, that we had our pasta making class. We got to know our group well as we gathered around a large table, each with our own space and tools for rolling and cutting the dough. We learned about the importance of the quality of the ingredients, rolled up our sleeves, and hand made a giant batch of community ricotta and spinach ravioli. The Prosecco and wine were free-flowing, and at the end of the night we dined al fresco with our new friends.
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Who Attends a Pasta Making Class in Rome?
The attendees vary greatly between singles, couples, groups of friends, and families. If you’re booking a class while on vacation in a popular city like Rome, chances are you will be meeting other travelers like yourself. In my class there was an older couple celebrating an anniversary, a young couple on vacation, a group of friends, and a family with 2 kids, ages 8-12.
What Size Are the Classes?
Most classes are kept relatively small to keep it intimate and to give the instructors enough time to give attention to all the participants. You will most likely be grouped with other travelers. Most hosts and companies will happily arrange a private class or small group class on request.
Price, Timing, and Availability of Pasta Making Classes
Each of these top 5 pasta making classes in Rome list the details on their websites. Since the pricing and timings can vary, I have included the links below. Most classes will be scheduled around lunch or dinner time. I recommend booking in advance to ensure you get the time and date you prefer. Most offer very flexible change or cancel options.
Top 5 Pasta Making Classes in Rome
1. Traditional Pasta Making Class with Wine and Desert
At the top of my list of pasta making classes in Rome is a traditional one. Learn the secrets of pasta from an Italian chef in a private kitchen. If you’re looking for the real deal, this is it! This 3-hour class starts off with a classic aperitivo and glass of Prosecco while you mingle with your group of fellow home cooks. When ready, get your hands messy as you learn to cook 2 different types of traditional pasta from scratch with traditional sauces like amatriciana, puttanesca, gricia, or cacio e pepe. All recipes will be crafted by what’s in season at the local market. The experience ends with some homemade gelato.
Highlights:
- Learn from an Italian chef in a private kitchen in the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood.
- Learn to make seasonal recipes with local market produce
- Class is 3 hours long
What’s Included:
- 2 types of pasta: fettuccini and raviolo
- Prosecco and appetizers before the class
- Wine and dessert included
2. Pasta Cooking Class with Market Visit
This pasta making class includes a guided visit to the local market prior to class. Join your instructor while you pick out fresh vegetables, and talk with local vendors, and learn about seasonal ingredients. Afterwards, head to the kitchen with a local chef to create authentic sauces and dough from scratch. Enjoy your dinner with wine and top it off with coffee and limoncello.
Highlights:
- Before class, enjoy a guided visit to Nomentano Market
- Learn how to make pasta with a local chef
- Experience is 6 hours long
What’s Included:
- Market shopping with your guide
- Authentic pasta and sauces
- Wine with dinner, followed by coffee and limoncello
3. Combo Pizza and Pasta Making Class with Wine
This class is unique in that it also includes pizza! I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like, but Neapolitan pizza has my heart. This class takes place outdoors next to the grand wood-fired pizza oven. Enjoy limitless wine and all-you-can-eat pasta.
Highlights:
- Learn to make pasta and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza
- Learn how to make different pasta shapes
- Class is 3 hours long
What’s Included
- All you can eat pizza and pasta (learn how to make 10 different pasta shapes!)
- Wine served throughout the class
- Tiramisu and limoncello served for dessert
4. Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Fine Wine by the Vatican
Enjoy this group pasta making classic in a local restaurant kitchen setting. Enjoy free-flowing wine and prosecco, learn pasta classics from a chef, and end with delectable tiramisu.
Highlights:
- Make pasta and tiramisu with a professional chef
- Operates in small groups
- Class is 3 hours long
What’s Included:
- Authentic hand-made pasta
- Free-flowing wine and prosecco
- Tiramisu for dessert
5. Home Pasta Class with a Local Family
This course made my list of top 5 pasta making classes in Rome because experiences with locals always make my favorite travel memories. In this class you’ll meet Iliana, a professional chef, along with her family. Step into her home and enjoy local wine while crafting classics from scratch, like fettuccine, ravioli and orecchiette. End the evening with some laughs with your new friends over handmade tiramisu.
Highlights:
- Learn to make pasta with Chef Iliana in her private home
- Max group size is 8 people
- Class is 3.5 hours long
What’s Included:
- Local wine and appetizers
- Hand-crafted pastas with various sauces made from scratch
- Handmade tiramisu
I learned some great tips and techniques in my pasta making class that I still use to this day. My instructors sent me home with a list of recipes made in class along with some other recommendations. I even got a fun certificate deeming me a master pasta maker. Enjoy sharing your stories, techniques, and recipes with your family and friends upon returning home. Warning: You will want to buy your own pasta making machine. I’ve the linked the one I have here: Imperia Pasta Maker Machine, Made in Italy.
Summary: Top 5 Pasta Making Classes in Rome
One of my favorite travel memories from my trip to Rome was taking a pasta making class. I loved getting a glimpse into local culture, learning about local ingredients, and getting to practice pasta making techniques that I still use to this day. Choosing one of the five experiences linked in this article will not only add fun to your vacation, it will give you cooking skills that will last a lifetime.
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