3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna

Discover the Joy of Making Classic Italian Pasta in Florence

The 3-Hour Cooking Class Making Spaghetti & Lasagna in Florence offers a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary traditions. For $75.47 per person, participants learn to craft two iconic dishes: spaghetti and lasagna, both staples on Italian tables every Sunday. The tour is designed for those eager to gain practical skills and enjoy authentic flavors, with most bookings made 19 days in advance. It’s a compact, engaging experience that combines a brief historical introduction with hands-on cooking in San Frediano, one of Florence’s most charming neighborhoods.

This class is ideal for anyone interested in Italian cuisine, from newcomers wanting to learn the basics to seasoned cooks seeking to refine their pasta skills. The limited group size of 10 people ensures personalized attention, and the 3-hour duration strikes a perfect balance between learning and enjoying a delicious meal. While the experience is accessible to most people, those with mobility issues should note the activity includes working with rolling pins and handling dough.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian pasta making with a focus on spaghetti and lasagna
• Hands-on experience in a well-kept, comfortable location in Florence’s San Frediano neighborhood
• Expert instruction sharing authentic Italian secrets and techniques
• Includes a tasting of spaghetti, lasagna, a chocolate dessert, and Tuscan organic wine
• Recipe handouts with all the secrets and tips from the instructors
• Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the class

How the Florence Cooking Class Combines Tradition and Practical Skills

This tour starts at Piazza del Carmine, where all participants gather for a punctual beginning. The guides lead you through a brief historical and theoretical introduction about Italian pasta and its cultural significance. This background enriches the experience, giving context to the dishes you’ll prepare. The focus then shifts to hands-on cooking, where you’ll learn to make pasta with flour, eggs, water, and milk, with the guidance of professional instructors.

The class emphasizes making the pasta dough from scratch, rolling it out with a rolling pin, and shaping it into spaghetti. Attendees also prepare lasagna, learning how to make both the dough and the Bolognese sauce and béchamel—the creamy layer that completes the dish. Throughout the session, the instructors share little Italian secrets to elevate your cooking, making this more than just a typical class.

The Florence Location: San Frediano’s Cozy Setting

All activities take place in a well-maintained, comfortable venue within San Frediano, a lively and picturesque part of Florence. This neighborhood offers a genuine local atmosphere, away from the busiest tourist spots. The space is described as inviting, making it easy to focus on learning and enjoying the process. Public transportation is nearby, adding convenience for arriving and returning to your accommodation.

The class is designed for small groups of up to 10 participants, which fosters a friendly environment where everyone can actively participate. The mobile ticket system ensures smooth entry, and the meeting point at Piazza del Carmine is straightforward to find. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple and stress-free.

Making Pasta: From Flour to Spaghetti

A core part of this class involves making the pasta from scratch. Participants learn to blend flour, eggs, water, and milk to create the perfect dough. The instructors teach Italian secrets for achieving the right texture, which is essential for authentic pasta. Using a rolling pin, you’ll flatten the dough, then cut and shape it into spaghetti.

The process is engaging and educational, providing skills that can be recreated at home. The emphasis on traditional techniques ensures you leave with confidence in your pasta-making abilities. After shaping the pasta, it’s cooked together during the class, so everyone gets to taste freshly made spaghetti that’s simply seasoned and paired with Tuscan organic wine.

Crafting Lasagna: Dough, Bolognese, and Béchamel

While the spaghetti is boiling, the group prepares lasagna. This involves making the dough with a rolling pin, then layering it with Bolognese sauce and béchamel. The instructors explain how to cook a good Bolognese—a rich, flavorful meat sauce—and the secrets to a smooth béchamel, ensuring the lasagna has perfect consistency.

Participants actively participate in rolling out the lasagna dough and assembling the layers. The process demonstrates traditional Italian lasagna construction, allowing everyone to contribute. Once baked, the lasagna becomes a key highlight of the meal, which is enjoyed together after the cooking concludes.

Savoring the Meal: Pasta, Lasagna, and Dessert

One of the most appreciated aspects of this class is the shared tasting experience. The freshly cooked spaghetti and lasagna are served hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The Tuscan organic wine complements the dishes perfectly, enhancing the flavors and adding a celebratory touch.

To finish, a delicious chocolate dessert is included, providing a sweet ending to the meal. Throughout the tasting, the instructors encourage conversation and questions, making it feel more like a convivial gathering than a formal class. All participants receive recipes with the secrets shared during the session, so the skills learned can be applied at home.

The Instructor’s Role: Friendly and Knowledgeable Guidance

The success of this tour largely hinges on the expert instructors who lead the class. Reviews highlight Milena, Yasmine, and other guides as knowledgeable, personable, and patient. They make complex techniques accessible and often share personal stories, such as stories of Nona, which add warmth and authenticity to the experience.

Participants note that instructions are clear, and the instructors foster a relaxed, fun environment. Several reviews praise Alt and Sartone for their easy-to-understand guidance and engaging teaching style. This approachable demeanor helps even beginners feel confident in their pasta-making skills.

Group Size and Atmosphere: Small, Friendly, and Fun

This activity is capped at 10 travelers, creating an intimate setting perfect for interaction and personalized attention. The reviews consistently mention how well-organized and friendly the experience is, with families and solo travelers enjoying the camaraderie. The group dynamic often results in lively conversations, laughter, and shared enjoyment of the process.

The atmosphere is further enhanced by the delicious food being prepared and the wine flowing during the meal, making it feel more like a convivial dinner with friends than a formal class.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Flexibility

Booking this class is flexible with a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The free cancellation policy offers peace of mind, especially for travelers with variable schedules. The class requires a minimum number of participants, but there’s flexibility if the activity is canceled, with options for a different date or full refund.

Participants receive a mobile ticket, which streamlines check-in, and the activity ends back at the initial meeting point, simplifying logistics.

Comparing with Other Florence Experiences

While this class specializes in making pasta from scratch, similar culinary experiences may include wine tastings or guided tours. However, this activity’s focus on hands-on pasta preparation and small group size make it stand out. It is especially suited for those who want to go beyond sightseeing and come away with practical cooking skills.

The positive reviews and high 5.0 rating reflect consistent satisfaction among past participants, highlighting the quality of instruction, authenticity of recipes, and delicious results.

Who Would Most Love This Class in Florence?

This pasta-making experience appeals to food lovers, families, and anyone eager to learn authentic Italian cooking techniques. The small group size and friendly guides suit travelers who prefer an intimate, engaging environment. While suitable for most, those unfamiliar with working in a kitchen may find the dough preparation challenging but manageable with guidance.

The price point of $75.47 is reasonable given the duration, hands-on activity, and included meal with wine. It’s an excellent way to deepen culinary understanding and enjoy a memorable meal in Florence.

Final Thoughts on the Florence Pasta & Lasagna Class

This 3-hour cooking class provides a practical, fun, and authentic experience of Italian cuisine. The expert guides and small group setting create an environment where participants gain real skills and enjoy delicious, freshly made dishes. The inclusion of recipe sheets and wine makes it a well-rounded activity that offers lasting memories and useful culinary techniques.

While the activity involves some physical work, especially with dough, the rewards are plentiful: learning traditional pasta-making, tasting homemade dishes, and soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere. Perfect for foodies and those seeking a hands-on cultural experience in Florence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for vegetarians?
The class emphasizes Bolognese sauce and lasagna, which traditionally include meat. Participants interested in vegetarian options should inquire in advance.

How physically demanding is the activity?
Making pasta from scratch involves rolling dough with a rolling pin and cutting shapes. It’s suitable for most, but those with limited mobility may find some parts challenging.

Do I need previous cooking experience?
No prior experience is required. The guides are patient and explain step-by-step, making it accessible to beginners.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers all ingredients, instruction, recipes, and the meal with Tuscan organic wine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Where does the class take place?
In a well-maintained venue in San Frediano, Florence, easily accessible by public transport.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the small group size and fun atmosphere make it suitable for families, especially those with children interested in cooking.

How are the instructors rated?
Highly praised, with reviews highlighting their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make complex techniques simple.

Will I receive recipes to recreate at home?
Absolutely. Participants get recipe sheets containing all the secrets shared during the class.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on practical pasta-making, authentic recipes, and small, friendly groups offer a genuine and memorable culinary experience in Florence.