A Taste of Florence: My Unforgettable Pasta-Making Class

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When in Florence, you eat pasta. Lots of pasta. But what if you could make it yourself, from scratch, under the guidance of a charming Italian chef? That’s exactly what I did when I signed up for a three-hour pasta-making class in the heart of the city—and for less than $40, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my trip.

An Afternoon in the Heart of a Florentine Kitchen

Tucked away in the back of a cozy restaurant, our class began in the mid-afternoon, the perfect time when the restaurant was closed and the kitchen was ours to take over. Our group of about 30 was split into two, making it a fun, intimate experience. At each workstation, a small pile of flour and a few eggs awaited us—our simple yet magical ingredients for creating three types of pasta from scratch.

Our instructor, Lorenzo, led us through the process with ease and humor, making what seemed intimidating at first feel totally achievable. We started by making our pasta dough, kneading it until it was smooth and elastic. Then, we divided it into three portions, each destined for a different dish.

Three Pastas, Three Incredible Sauces

First up: tortellini. We filled these delicate little pasta pillows with a bright and creamy lemon ricotta filling, then folded and sealed them before setting them aside. Next came ravioli, using the same luscious ricotta filling but paired with a fresh garlic, tomato, and basil sauce. And finally, we rolled out long, rustic ribbons of pappardelle, the perfect match for a rich, slow-simmered beef ragu.

As we worked, Lorenzo kept us entertained, making sure our pasta shapes were on point (or at least close enough). Meanwhile, he got the ragu started right away—it needed time to develop that deep, hearty flavor. Then, as our pasta rested, he demonstrated how to make the sauces. The butter and sage sauce for the tortellini was simple yet decadent, while the tomato and basil sauce for the ravioli burst with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Unlimited Wine & A Pasta Feast

Of course, no Italian cooking class would be complete without plenty of wine, and this one did not disappoint. Glasses of red wine were poured freely throughout the afternoon, adding to the fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for—the feast. Lorenzo gathered all of our handmade pasta, boiled each pasta in one giant pot, and tossed each variety in its respective sauce. Then, plates were passed around, and we all dug in, savoring every delicious bite.

By the end of the class, we were stuffed. I would highly recommend skipping lunch before taking this class because you’ll want to save room for all the pasta you’ll be eating.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Do Experience in Florence

hether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo, this pasta-making class is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Florence. The experience is hands-on, interactive, and full of laughter (it also doesn’t hurt that Luciano, one of the staff members, was easy on the eyes!).

If you love Italian food, enjoy cooking, or just want a unique and authentic experience, this class is a must. Plus, you’ll leave with newfound pasta-making skills that you can impress your friends with back home. Buon appetito!