Imagine turning simple ingredients into a flavorful, homemade pasta with guidance from a passionate instructor in a cozy Scottsdale kitchen. That’s exactly what the Handmade Sourdough Pasta Workshop offers: a chance to get your hands dirty, learn a new skill, and enjoy a delicious meal at the end.
This experience is especially appealing for those who love food, crave authentic moments, and want a fun, interactive way to spend a few hours. We’re particularly drawn to the personal touch of working with a 19-year-old sourdough starter, the intimate group size, and the opportunity to take home your own recipe and starter.
One consideration might be the price point of $150 per person, which is a bit higher than some standard cooking classes but is justified by the quality, authenticity, and the all-in-one experience. Perfect for couples, small groups, or families who appreciate culinary craftsmanship and a memorable, hands-on activity.
Good To Know

- Authentic Experience: Learn how to make pasta from scratch using real sourdough starter.
- Inclusive & Accessible: No prior experience needed; suitable for all skill levels.
- Culinary Skills: Discover kneading, rolling, shaping, and cooking techniques.
- Tastings & Takeaways: Enjoy freshly made pasta, homemade sauce, and receive a recipe and starter to recreate at home.
- Duration & Intimacy: Approx. 2.5 hours with small groups of up to 15 guests.
- Value for Money: All ingredients, instruction, and a shared meal included in the price.
The scenic kitchen setting in Scottsdale instantly makes this a warm, inviting environment. The instructor, associated with Sourdough & Smiles, clearly has a passion for both baking and pasta, which translates into a lively, engaging class that’s more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a culinary journey.
The Itinerary in Detail

The workshop kicks off with a welcome drink and sourdough baked goods — a gentle introduction that sets the tone for the hands-on experience. The host introduces their 19-year-old sourdough starter, a centerpiece that adds depth and character to the pasta dough. This starter isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a living ingredient that infuses the pasta with a subtle tang and complex flavor, making the experience more meaningful and tasty.
Next, the focus shifts to dough-making. You’ll learn how to combine flour, eggs, and sourdough starter, with guidance on achieving the perfect pasta dough texture. The instructor emphasizes the importance of kneading and resting, key steps that influence texture and flavor.
Once the dough has rested, you’ll move on to rolling and shaping. Expect to get your hands on a rolling pin, learning techniques to create thin sheets of pasta ready for cutting into various shapes. Some reviews mention that participants appreciated the chance to ask questions and observe the instructor’s tips for handling dough, which helps demystify a process that may seem intimidating at first.
The cooking phase is straightforward but satisfying — watching your pasta boil to al dente perfection. The instructor then prepares a homemade sauce, which is the perfect pairing to the pasta you’ve just made. The result is a meal that feels both humble and elevated, showcasing the freshness of your handiwork.
Finally, the class culminates in a shared meal, where everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This convivial setting encourages conversation and makes the entire experience more than just a cooking class — it’s a chance to connect over food.
More tours and activities we've covered in Scottsdale
Authenticity and Quality of Instruction
Guests have described the instructor as patient, approachable, and eager to share their knowledge about sourdough and pasta techniques. The focus on handling sourdough pasta dough and making flavorful sauces from scratch ensures you walk away with skills that are practical and easy to replicate at home.
One participant noted, “I loved how the instructor explained each step and was happy to answer all questions,” highlighting the personalized attention that small group sizes allow. This isn’t just a demonstration — it’s truly hands-on, with plenty of opportunities to practice and learn.
The Ingredients and Materials

All ingredients are included in the price — from flour to eggs, olive oil, and the sourdough starter. The starter itself is a 19-year-old tradition, giving a unique flavor profile that distinguishes this experience from standard pasta-making classes. Participants also receive a printed recipe and their own sourdough starter to take home, ensuring you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
The workshop’s duration of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes strikes a good balance between hands-on learning and relaxed enjoyment, making it suitable for those with limited time but a strong interest in culinary crafts.
Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the class maintains an intimate atmosphere conducive to learning and fun. Guests often mention that this small group size fostered a friendly environment where questions were encouraged and everyone felt comfortable experimenting.
Price and Value

While $150 might seem steep for a cooking class, considering the all-inclusive ingredients, personalized instruction, a shared meal, and a take-home starter and recipe — it’s more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an experience. For food lovers eager to improve their skills and enjoy a genuine, crafted meal, the value is evident.
Practical Tips for Future Participants

- Arrive eager to get your hands dirty; the more engaged you are, the more you’ll learn and enjoy.
- Even if you’re new to pasta-making, the instructor’s approach makes it accessible.
- Take notes during the class — the recipe and tips will be invaluable for recreating the dish later.
- Consider bringing a friend or loved one for a fun duo activity; small groups make for a more personalized experience.
- Be prepared to share a meal with others, which adds to the convivial, community vibe.
Who Is This Experience Best For?

This workshop is perfect for culinary enthusiasts, couples seeking a unique date idea, small groups, or families looking for a fun, educational activity. It suits those interested in authentic, homemade food and eager to learn a new skill that’s both practical and satisfying.
The Handmade Sourdough Pasta Workshop in Scottsdale offers a rare chance to learn the art of pasta making intertwined with sourdough tradition. The experience’s strength lies in its personalized instruction, authentic ingredients, and delicious results. It’s an ideal activity for anyone who values genuine food experiences and wants to gain practical skills they can share with friends and family later.
The warm, welcoming environment, combined with the chance to create and enjoy a home-cooked meal, makes this a compelling choice for food lovers and curious cooks alike. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, you’ll walk away with not just a full belly but also a new appreciation for the craft behind authentic pasta.
If you’re after a memorable, hands-on culinary adventure that marries tradition with taste, this Scottsdale workshop won’t disappoint.
Is prior cooking experience necessary? No, this experience is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with guidance provided throughout.
What’s included in the price? All ingredients (flour, sourdough starter, eggs, olive oil, etc.), hands-on instruction, a fresh sauce, a finished pasta meal, and a printed recipe with your starter.
How long does the workshop last? Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable yet comprehensive experience.
Can I take the sourdough starter home? Yes, each participant leaves with their own starter to recreate the pasta and bread recipes at home.
Is it suitable for children or families? The class is ideal for small groups and families, especially those with an interest in food and cooking.
What if I cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Where does the experience take place? In a cozy Scottsdale kitchen, starting and ending at the same meeting point.
Are drinks included? Yes, light refreshments like coffee and tea are provided.
How many people are in each class? Up to 15 guests, ensuring an intimate and engaging environment.
More Workshop Tours in Scottsdale
More Tour Reviews in Scottsdale
- Party Bus Rental with Driver in Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe
- Phoenix Private 1 Hour Helicopter Adventure Flight
- Sushi Making Class with Local Chef in Scottsdale
- Phoenix Scottsdale Private 4 Hour City Highlights Tour
- From Phoenix: Offroad Sonoran Desert and Sunset Shared Tour
- Antelope Canyon Private Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix
Looking for something different? Other Scottsdale activities we've written about
- Party Bus Rental with Driver in Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe
- Phoenix Private 1 Hour Helicopter Adventure Flight
- Sushi Making Class with Local Chef in Scottsdale
- Phoenix Scottsdale Private 4 Hour City Highlights Tour
- From Phoenix: Offroad Sonoran Desert and Sunset Shared Tour
- Antelope Canyon Private Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix
- From Phoenix Private Offroad Sonoran Desert and Sunset Tour
- Grand Canyon Private 4-Hour Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest
- Old Town Scottsdale’s Art District: A Self-Guided Tour
- Learn the art of traditional sourdough bread
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix
