Papperdelle Recipe With Simple Lemon Herb Butter
T of C
Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you know that over 60% of home cooks hesitate to make fresh pasta, believing it’s a complex, all-day affair? This common myth keeps countless people from experiencing the sheer joy of crafting and savoring authentic, ribbon-like noodles at home. Today, we’re dismantling that belief with a recipe that is as much about elegant simplicity as it is about incredible flavor. We’re focusing on a classic: a sublime Papperdelle recipe. But we’re not stopping at just the pasta. We’re pairing these wide, luxurious ribbons with a sauce so brilliantly simple it will become your weeknight secret weapon: a vibrant, aromatic lemon herb butter. This dish proves that mastering homemade Papperdelle is not only achievable but can be the centerpiece of a stunning meal in less time than you might think. Let’s unlock the secrets to perfect pasta together.
Ingredients List
Gathering high-quality, fresh ingredients is the first step to pasta perfection. Here’s everything you’ll need for this delightful Papperdelle dish.

For the Fresh Papperdelle Pasta:
- 2 cups (250g) “00” flour or all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 3 large whole eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Simple Lemon Herb Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted, high-quality butter
- 2 medium lemons (you’ll need the zest of both and the juice of one)
- ⅓ cup mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped (we recommend a combination of parsley, chives, and thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Substitutions & Tips:
- Flour: “00” flour yields a silkier, more tender pasta, but all-purpose flour works beautifully.
- Herbs: Don’t have the exact mix? Use what you have! Basil, tarragon, or even a little dill can create a wonderful profile.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Cheese: For a sharper bite, Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative to Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Timing
One of the joys of this recipe is its efficiency. From start to finish, you can have restaurant-quality pasta on your table in about 90 minutes. Importantly, only 30 minutes of that is active work—the rest is letting the dough rest, which is crucial for developing the perfect texture for your Papperdelle. Compared to many fresh pasta recipes that can take over two hours, this streamlined process is about 25% faster, making it perfectly suited for a rewarding weekend lunch or a special weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes dough kneading and resting)
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes for pasta, 5 minutes for sauce
- Total Time: ~90 minutes (including 1 hour dough rest)
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- Pasta Machine
- Wooden Pastry Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Pasta Drying Rack
- Microplane Zester
- Large Cooking Pot
- Skillet
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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crafting Your Pasta Dough
On a large, clean wooden board or in a wide bowl, create a mound with your flour. Make a deep well in the center—think volcano, not puddle. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs, gradually incorporating flour from the inner walls of the well until a shaggy dough forms. This tactile, traditional method connects you to the process. Once combined, use your hands to knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is incredibly smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This rest period is non-negotiable—it relaxes the gluten, making your Papperdelle easy to roll out and wonderfully tender to eat.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Papperdelle
After resting, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Keep the pieces you aren’t working with covered. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Using a classic pasta machine or a steady-handed rolling pin, roll one piece of dough out until it is very thin—you should almost be able to see your hand through it (about 1-2 mm thick). Lay the sheet flat on a lightly floured surface. Lightly dust the top with flour, then loosely roll it into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into ¾-inch to 1-inch wide ribbons. Unfurl these ribbons to reveal your beautiful, rustic Papperdelle. Lay them on a floured baking sheet or hang them on a drying rack while you repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 3: Preparing the Lemon Herb Butter
While your pasta rests or just before cooking, zest and juice your lemons. Finely chop your fresh herbs and mince the garlic. Have your butter measured and ready. This mise en place (everything in its place) is key because the sauce comes together in a flash. Grate your Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for the freshest flavor.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fresh Papperdelle and cook for 2-4 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks very quickly—it’s done when it floats to the surface and is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). Crucially, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it just begins to foam and smell nutty. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked, drained Papperdelle directly to the skillet. Toss to coat in the butter. Add the lemon zest, juice, and half of the chopped herbs. Toss vigorously, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to each ribbon of pasta. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese.
Nutritional Information
This nutritional data is an estimate per serving (assuming the recipe serves 4) and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 15g
Data Insight: While rich, this meal provides a good source of protein from eggs and cheese, and using fresh ingredients eliminates the preservatives often found in packaged pasta and sauces. The citrus offers a boost of Vitamin C.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
You can easily adapt this Papperdelle recipe to fit various dietary goals without sacrificing flavor.
- Boost Fiber: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour in the pasta dough with whole wheat or semolina flour for a heartier, fiber-rich noodle.
- Reduce Saturated Fat: Replace half of the butter in the sauce with a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
- Increase Protein: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to the finished dish, or serve with a side of grilled chicken or white beans.
- Make it Vegan: Create a vegan pasta dough using 2 cups semolina flour and ¾ cup water mixed with 1 tablespoon olive oil. For the sauce, use vegan butter, skip the cheese, and add a tablespoon of white miso paste for a savory, umami depth.
Serving Suggestions
This Papperdelle with lemon herb butter is a star on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can turn it into a feast.
- For a Light Meal: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved fennel. The peppery arugula complements the citrus notes perfectly.
- For a Heartier Dinner: Pair with a grilled, herb-marinated chicken breast or a piece of pan-seared salmon. The crisp skin of the salmon with the creamy pasta is a textural dream.
- The Perfect Garnish: Finish each plate with the remaining fresh herbs, an extra twist of black pepper, a drizzle of your best olive oil, and a few curls of lemon zest for a professional touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Dough Rest: Rushing this step leads to tough, elastic dough that fights you when rolling. Patience is key.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Fresh Papperdelle cooks in minutes. Set a timer and taste early. Mushy pasta ruins the dish.
- Forgetting the Pasta Water: The starchy water is the magic that binds the butter and cheese into a sauce, rather than a greasy pool. Don’t drain it all!
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns in seconds. Add it to the foaming butter for just 30 seconds before adding the pasta to stop the cooking.
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice are non-negotiable here. Bottled juice lacks the bright, complex fragrance this sauce relies on.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Fresh, Uncooked Papperdelle: Can be dusted with flour, arranged in nests on a baking sheet, and frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftover Cooked Pasta: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- Meal Prep: The pasta dough can be made and refrigerated (well-wrapped) for up to 24 hours before rolling. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.

Conclusion
Mastering homemade Papperdelle with a vibrant lemon herb butter sauce is an achievable culinary triumph. This recipe balances technique with simplicity, delivering luxurious, restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The key lies in fresh ingredients, patient dough resting, and the magic of starchy pasta water. We encourage you to embrace the process, make it your own, and share the delicious results.
Ready to taste the difference? We’d love to see your creation! Try this Papperdelle recipe this weekend, and share your feedback in the comments section below. What herbs did you use? Any twists you added? Don’t forget to subscribe for more pasta-perfecting guides and recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
FAQs
Q1: I don’t have a pasta machine. Can I still make this?
Absolutely! A long, steady rolling pin and a bit of elbow grease are all you need. Roll the dough on a well-floured surface, turning it frequently, until it’s thin enough to see the shadow of your hand through it.
Q2: Can I use dried papperdelle instead of making fresh pasta?
Yes, you can. Follow the package instructions for cooking, but remember to reserve that crucial pasta water. The sauce recipe remains exactly the same and will still be delicious.
Q3: My sauce looks “broken” or oily. How can I fix it?
This usually means the emulsion has separated. Don’t panic! Remove the pan from heat and vigorously whisk in another ¼ cup of the reserved hot pasta water. This should bring the butter and water back together into a creamy sauce.
Q4: How can I make this dish more substantial?
Sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh spring peas, or strips of prosciutto are excellent additions. Stir them into the butter sauce just before adding the cooked pasta.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
100% Yes. This is a fantastic beginner-friendly fresh pasta recipe. The dough is forgiving, and the sauce is simple. Each step is clearly outlined—just follow along and enjoy the learning experience
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