Even seasoned pasta makers can hit a few snags. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

1. Dough Too Sticky or Too Dry
If your dough is sticky, add a small amount of flour while kneading. If it’s too dry, incorporate a few drops of water until it reaches the right consistency.

2. Over-Kneading the Dough
While kneading is important, overdoing it can make the dough tough. Stick to about 8-10 minutes of kneading for the perfect texture.

3. Not Letting the Dough Rest
Skipping the resting period makes rolling the dough difficult and uneven. Always let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

4. Uneven Rolling
Inconsistent thickness leads to uneven cooking. Whether by hand or machine, roll out your dough evenly, so it cooks uniformly.

5. Improper Drying
For fresh pasta, improper drying can lead to sticky clumps. If you’re not cooking immediately, use a pasta drying rack to hang your strands until they’re no longer tacky.

Avoid these pitfalls, and your pasta-making process will be smoother, leaving you with perfect, delicious pasta every time.