Step #2: Roll Dough Into Sheets
Before you begin, set up your work station (no exceptions!): Find a large, clutter-free work space to spread out (I use the kitchen table). Your pasta sheets are going to be long! Dust your work surface and pasta machine with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to fit the inside dimensions of your pan, no clunky overhang. Cut 4 additional pieces to layer in between the lasagna sheets as you roll them out; set aside.
- Cut the pasta dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out one piece of dough to make it the width of your pasta maker; it should be about 6 by 8 inches long. Cover or rewrap the other pieces to prevent them from drying out.
- Send the disc through the roller on the widest/lowest setting. This is “#1” on the Kitchen Aid attachment. Send it through a second time.
- Continue to roll the dough through settings #2-4 (2x on each setting) until the pasta sheet is slightly translucent and you can see your hand underneath. For even thinner noodles, you can go up to setting #5. Now, you’re ready to make lasagna noodles.
How to Store Lasagna Noodles
- At Room Temperature (1 hr. ): Spread the lasagna noodles in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. To prevent them from drying out, cover with another parchment paper sheet. Layer and repeat, ending with parchment paper on top. For up to one hour, store the item at a moderate room temperature while securely covered with plastic wrap. Alternatively, use an airtight container.
- To refrigerate for 12 hours, place lasagna noodles between parchment paper layers as previously mentioned. Chill up to 12 hours. Fresh pasta tends to oxidize and discolor after this timeframe. Oxidation will not effect the taste.
- To Freeze: Place lasagna noodles in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper and freeze for one month. Freeze up to 1 month. Defrost before using; they are easier to handle without breaking.
Step #3: Cut Sheets Into Lasagna Noodles
- Make sure the pasta sheet is cut to the right size for your 9 x 13-inch baking pan. As an example, I can make roughly three 5 by 12 inch lasagna noodles out of a single, 38-inch-long rolled-out pasta sheet. Your measurements will be slightly different from mine in terms of both length and width. This is normal. The objective is to have ten or twelve cut lasagna noodles in total.
- When you’re done, spread the lasagna noodles out in a single layer on the sheet pan lined with parchment paper. To prevent them from drying out, cover with another parchment paper sheet.
- Continue rolling and slicing the final three pasta dough pieces.
At this point, you have a few options. Prepare my traditional Bolognese lasagna using ragù and béchamel sauce—it’s delicious! Or, jump to the storage options below.
