A Fresh Take on Pasta: A Two-Hour Cooking Experience in Tucson
Trying to find a way to spice up your dinner routine or just learn something new? This 2-hour pasta-making class in Tucson offers a lively and interactive experience that’s perfect for food lovers and curious cooks alike. Hosted by a friendly local chef, Chef Matthew, it promises not just lessons in pasta but a colorful burst of flavor and fun.
What caught our attention? First, the hands-on approach — you’re involved at every step, from kneading dough to shaping your pasta. Second, the visual feast — making tri-color pasta with fresh spinach and tomatoes results in a vibrant, Instagram-worthy dish.
One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is beginners-friendly, but it does require some manual effort, so patience and a bit of enthusiasm are recommended. It’s ideal for travelers who want a practical skill and enjoy a bit of kitchen creativity, especially those who appreciate authentic, homemade food.
Key Points

- Interactive and hands-on: You’re actively involved in every step of pasta creation.
- Colorful and eye-catching: Tri-color pasta made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
- Expert guidance: Led by Chef Matthew, who provides all necessary tools and ingredients.
- Beginners welcome: No prior cooking experience needed; suitable for all skill levels.
- Valuable recipes: You’ll leave with the skills and recipes to recreate at home.
- Affordable fun: At $75 per person, it offers good value for a memorable culinary activity.
What Makes This Pasta Class Stand Out?

This Tucson-based pasta class is more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to dive into a real culinary skill in a friendly, approachable way. The location at Button Brew House offers a relaxed setting, and the class’s focus on making tri-colored pasta from scratch makes it a particularly engaging experience. We love the idea that you’re not just following a recipe but actively learning how to knead, roll, and cut pasta, giving you a sense of accomplishment.
The class begins with the classic egg dough, a fundamental skill that’s easily transferable to many pasta types. Then, the real fun begins as Chef Matthew shows how to incorporate fresh spinach and tomatoes into the dough, transforming a simple pasta into a colorful work of art. The vibrant green from spinach and the bold red from tomatoes provide a visual and flavor boost, making your pasta as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Throughout the class, Chef Matthew emphasizes technique and patience, guiding you through kneading and rolling with clear instructions. The process is designed to be accessible, even if you’ve never worked with dough before. Plus, all equipment and ingredients are provided, so you just need to bring your appetite and curiosity.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tucson.
Itinerary Breakdown: What Really Happens

The experience kicks off at 5:00 pm at the Button Brew House in Marana, AZ, a convenient spot that combines good vibes with a casual atmosphere. The class lasts for about two hours, during which you’ll learn the entire process of making tri-color pasta.
First, Chef Matthew introduces the basic egg dough recipe. You’ll get to see how simple ingredients—flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt—transform into a smooth, elastic ball of dough. From there, he demonstrates how to incorporate fresh spinach purée into part of the dough, turning it green, and pureed tomatoes into another portion, giving you the classic red. This step involves blending and mixing, which is straightforward but adds a splash of color to your culinary palette.
Next, the hands-on part begins: kneading. It’s a satisfying process, especially when you feel the dough come together under your fingertips. After kneading, you’ll roll out the dough, aiming for thin sheets suitable for shaping. You’ll learn how to cut and shape your pasta, whether into traditional strips or fun shapes, depending on your preferences.
Once shaped, the pasta is ready to cook. You’ll get to see just how quick and easy it is to cook fresh pasta—usually just a few minutes in boiling water—until it hits that perfect al dente texture. The final step? Enjoy your colorful creation either as a simple dish or with a sauce of your choice, which you can bring from home or buy at the venue’s bar.
At the end of the class, you’ll leave with all the recipes and techniques needed to replicate this at home, making it a perfect activity for continuing your culinary adventure beyond Tucson.
The Value and Experience
At $75 per person, this class offers a solid value considering the personalized instruction, all ingredients and equipment, plus the fun of creating something beautiful and delicious. You’re not just watching a demonstration; you’re doing the work, which makes the experience more memorable and satisfying.
Since this experience is designed to accommodate different dietary needs, it’s flexible enough for various preferences. You’ll also find the venue casual and welcoming, making it a great option for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. The max group size of 25 ensures plenty of attention from Chef Matthew without feeling crowded.
The focus on fresh, natural ingredients and the craft of pasta-making connects you to authentic culinary traditions, rather than just eating pre-packaged noodles. It’s a great way to spend an evening, especially if you’re interested in learning skills that will serve you well back home.
Notably, the class is beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never handled dough or cooked pasta before, you’ll find this experience accessible and, above all, fun.
Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

This pasta-making class suits foodies interested in hands-on cooking, especially those who appreciate vibrant, colorful dishes. It’s ideal for travelers who want a practical skill rather than just a tasting tour, and those who enjoy a bit of kitchen creativity. If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly environment with a focus on good food and new techniques, this is a perfect fit.
It’s also a great activity to bring family or friends for a shared experience that results in a delicious, homemade meal. Because of its beginner nature, it’s suitable for all ages, provided participants are comfortable with some physical activity like kneading and rolling.
The Sum Up: An Authentic, Tasty, and Fun Cooking Class

This pasta class in Tucson offers a delightful blend of hands-on participation, vibrant visuals, and practical skills. It’s a perfect activity for those wanting to add a new skill to their cooking repertoire while enjoying a relaxed evening in a friendly setting. The focus on making tri-color pasta from scratch results in a visually appealing dish that’s just as rewarding to eat as it is to create.
The expert guidance from Chef Matthew ensures you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed, and the provided recipes mean you can replicate what you learn long after the class ends. It’s a fantastic option for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for an engaging culinary experience at a reasonable price.
If you love delicious food, colorful presentation, and hands-on activities, this class hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s a memorable way to connect with Tucson’s local culinary scene, leaving you with new skills—and perhaps a new favorite dinner.
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FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be beginner-friendly, with Chef Matthew guiding you step-by-step, no prior experience needed.
Are all ingredients provided?
Absolutely. The chef supplies all necessary ingredients and equipment, so you just need to bring yourself.
Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate various dietary needs. Please inform the provider in advance, and they will do their best to customize the experience.
What’s the start time?
The class begins at 5:00 pm at the Button Brew House in Marana.
How long does the class last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, covering dough preparation, shaping, cooking, and tasting.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than that are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
In all, this fun and flavorful pasta class in Tucson offers a genuine taste of Italian culinary craft, paired with local warmth and expert guidance. It’s a perfect activity for anyone eager to learn, taste, and create in a relaxed environment.
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