A Tasty Tour of Homemade Pasta Alfredo in Minneapolis
Our review of the “Make Authentic Pasta Alfredo With Local Chef in Minneapolis” offers a closer look at this engaging, hands-on culinary experience. Designed for food lovers eager to learn from a professional chef, this class promises not just a meal but a skill you can recreate at home.
Two features we particularly like are the interactive nature of the class — where you’re involved in every step of pasta making — and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere created by Chef Mimi. This isn’t a high-pressure cooking class; it’s a relaxed environment perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Italy’s pasta traditions.
A potential consideration is the class duration—at approximately 2 hours, it’s a bit of a time commitment, especially if your schedule is tight. Also, the class is geared toward those 21 and older, so it might not be suitable for families with younger children.
This experience is best suited for solo travelers eager to improve their culinary skills, couples looking for a unique date activity, or small groups of friends who want to share a cooking adventure.
Key Points
- Hands-On Learning: You’ll actively participate in making pasta from scratch, gaining practical skills.
- Authentic Techniques: Chef Mimi shares traditional methods for kneading, shaping, and cutting pasta, plus making Alfredo sauce.
- All-Inclusive: The class provides all necessary ingredients and equipment, simplifying logistics.
- Enjoy a Full Meal: The session ends with you enjoying your handmade pasta paired with a garden salad, making it a complete dining experience.
- Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.
- Small Group Feel: Max 25 participants, ensuring personal attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
What to Expect During the Class
This class begins at the Urban Forage Winery and Cider House in Minneapolis, a cozy venue that combines a relaxed ambiance with a dash of local charm. Once you arrive, Chef Mimi will introduce you to the ingredients—flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt—and guide you through the process of turning these simple staples into fresh pasta dough.
The first step is mastering the art of kneading. Chef Mimi emphasizes the importance of developing the right texture—neither too sticky nor too dry. She shares practical tips on how to recognize when the dough is just right, which is a skill that can elevate your home cooking significantly. You’ll then learn how to shape and cut the pasta, whether into fettuccine or other styles, depending on your preference.
While your pasta cooks, you’ll move on to creating the Alfredo sauce. This is no store-bought shortcut — you’ll make a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce with butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream. These ingredients are combined in a way that highlights their natural flavors, rather than relying on processed mixes.
Once your pasta is al dente, you’ll mix it into your freshly prepared Alfredo sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and proof of your culinary effort. The meal is rounded out with a garden salad topped with an olive and vinegar dressing, adding some crispness and acidity to balance the richness of the pasta.
Chef Mimi provides all necessary tools and ingredients, allowing you to focus fully on the process rather than hunting down equipment or supplies. The class ends with a chance to savor your creation — a real reward for your efforts.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Minneapolis Saint Paul.
What Makes This Experience Stand Out
We loved the way the class combines learning with tasting. Making pasta from scratch isn’t just fun; it’s empowering. Knowing how to knead, roll, and cut your own pasta means you can recreate this meal anytime, even if in a smaller kitchen. The authenticity of the recipe, taught by someone passionate about her craft, adds a genuine flavor to the experience that’s hard to match.
The venue itself offers a relaxed, social setting, far from those sterile cooking schools. It’s a convivial space where you’re encouraged to ask questions and experiment. Plus, the class is limited to 25 people, which means you get personal attention from Chef Mimi and ample opportunity to learn.
The price of $75 per person is reasonable when you consider that you’re not only getting a hands-on class but also a delicious meal to enjoy at the end. The all-inclusiveness of the ingredients and tools means there are no hidden costs, making it straightforward for travelers budgeting their trip.
For those with dietary restrictions, Chef Mimi can accommodate most needs if notified in advance. This flexibility adds value, especially for guests with specific dietary concerns.
The Itinerary in Depth
The class kicks off with an introduction at the venue, a space that’s part culinary classroom, part social hub. After a brief overview of ingredients and techniques, you’ll dive into making pasta dough. This is where you learn the balance of ingredients — how eggs and flour come together to create a perfect foundation.
Kneading is a critical step, and Chef Mimi’s guidance helps you develop confidence in developing the right consistency. She shares tips on how to recognize when the dough is ready, a skill that can be a game-changer in your home kitchen.
Next, you’ll shape your pasta, whether you prefer fettuccine, pappardelle, or another style. Cutting the dough into strips is surprisingly satisfying, and you’ll appreciate how even a simple shape like fettuccine can elevate your cooking.
While the pasta boils, you’ll prepare the Alfredo sauce—rich, cheesy, and smooth. Watching it come together is almost as satisfying as eating it. The sauce’s ingredients—butter, Parmesan, cream—are staples that can be easily replicated at home, but Chef Mimi’s technique ensures the flavor and texture are perfect.
Once everything is ready, you’ll combine your pasta with the Alfredo sauce, creating a dish that looks as good as it tastes. The meal is capped off with a garden salad dressed simply with oil and vinegar, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
The class concludes with you sitting down to enjoy your handcrafted meal, often sharing laughs and tips with fellow foodies.
Additional Practical Details
- Location & Meeting Point: Starts at Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, a friendly spot in Minneapolis that’s easy to find.
- Duration: About 2 hours, a good length for a relaxed yet comprehensive class.
- Group Size: Limited to 25 participants, which keeps the experience intimate.
- Price: $75 per person, inclusive of all ingredients and equipment.
- Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, giving flexibility if plans change.
While drinks are not included, they are available for purchase at the venue, priced between $3 and $20, which is pretty typical for such establishments.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This class is perfect for travelers who want to add a practical cooking skill to their culinary repertoire. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hands-on activities and appreciate authentic techniques. If you’re a foodie curious about Italian cuisine, this offers a genuine taste of traditional pasta-making.
Couples seeking a memorable, interactive date might find it especially charming. Small groups of friends or solo travelers will enjoy the lively, friendly environment.
However, note that the activity is for ages 21 and older, so those with younger children should look elsewhere. Also, if you’re short on time or prefer a purely observational tour, this might not be the best fit.
Summary

All in all, this Pasta Alfredo cooking class in Minneapolis offers a well-rounded balance of education, fun, and delicious reward. You’ll come away not only with new culinary skills but also with a sense of accomplishment and a tasty meal. The value for the price is solid, considering all the ingredients and personal guidance involved.
Whether you’re a novice cook or someone looking to deepen your understanding of Italian cuisine, Chef Mimi’s class provides an authentic, engaging experience that’s worth the time and money. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to leave Minnesota with more than just memories — but with a recipe and confidence to recreate this dish at home.
FAQ
Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, and Chef Mimi provides hands-on guidance suitable for beginners.
Are all ingredients provided?
Yes, the chef supplies all necessary equipment and ingredients, making it easy for you to focus on learning.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified beforehand, but recipes cannot be adjusted during the class.
What is the age requirement for participants?
Participants must be 21 years or older.
How long does the class last?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours, including cooking, eating, and socializing.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund.
Where does the class start?
It begins at Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, located at 3016 E Lake St, Minneapolis.
Is there an option to purchase drinks?
Yes, drinks are available for purchase at the venue, with prices ranging from $3 to $20.
Will I get to eat what I cook?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy your pasta Alfredo along with a garden salad at the end of the class.
To sum it up, this cooking experience offers a delightful blend of learning, tasting, and socializing in a relaxed Minneapolis setting. It’s perfect for anyone eager to learn authentic pasta-making skills, enjoy a delicious homemade meal, and have fun in the process.
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