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TJ Crews

Pasta! Handmade or Machine, what's the difference?


long tube type pasta in the corner with spiral noodles scattered around. Baking flower scattered around as if someone just got done making it from scratch. a glass container of oil sits behind pasta out of focus.

Pasta, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, comes in various types and flavors. The debate between handmade and machine-made pasta often centers on taste, texture, and authenticity. Vinny’s Italian Cafe is a family owned and operated authentic Napoli Italian Restaurant. Let's explore the differences used in Italian restaurants, like Vinny's Italian Cafe in Baltimore MD, to understand their impact.


Handmade pasta is crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. The dough, made from flour and eggs, is kneaded by hand until it reaches the perfect consistency. It is then rolled out and shaped into various forms like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or ravioli using simple tools like rolling pins and knives. Handmade pasta tends to have a richer, more robust flavor due to the fresh ingredients and the lack of preservatives. The texture is often more delicate and less “consistent”, providing a unique mouthfeel. The dough's natural variations create a more porous surface, allowing sauces to cling better, enhancing the overall taste. In places like Vinny's Italian Cafe, handmade pasta is a testament to authenticity. It reflects the love and care typical of traditional Italian cooking.


Machine-made pasta is produced using industrial equipment. The dough, typically made from durum wheat semolina and water, is mixed in large batches. It is then pushed through molds to create consistent shapes like penne, spaghetti, and fusilli. Lastly the pasta is dried at controlled temperatures to extend shelf life. While still delicious, machine-made pasta often has a more uniform taste. Additives and preservatives might be used to ensure consistency and longevity. Uniformity extends to the overall texture as well, this can be ideal for certain types of dishes. However, it will lack the subtle variations and porousness found in handmade pasta. Machine made pasta was built for practicality and convenience.


Italian restaurants, such as Vinny's Italian Cafe in Baltimore, often pride themselves on offering handmade pasta. The labor-intensive process shows their dedication to quality and tradition. The choice between handmade and machine-made pasta ultimately depends on personal preference and context. Handmade pasta offers a unique, authentic experience with its rich flavor and delicate texture. In contrast, machine-made pasta provides consistency and convenience without sacrificing taste. At Vinny’s Italian Café in Baltimore Maryland our goal is to bring the old school family values to Maryland . Just like our family did in 1990. Each dish is made from scratch using Scotto family recipes from the old country. We pride ourselves on our homemade authentic pastas, pizzas, soups, and salad dressing.

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