Easy Homemade Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

Name: Easy Homemade Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Pasta Dough; 200 g 00 flour (about 1½ cups); 2 large eggs; Pinch of fine salt; For the Salmon Filling; 120 g cold-smoked salmon, chopped; 150 g cream cheese (or ricotta); 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Black pepper to taste; For Lemon-Dill Butter (Serving); 25 g unsalted butter (about 2 tbsp); 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1–2 tsp lemon juice

BY Emily Parker June 21, 2025

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If you’ve ever wanted to recreate restaurant-quality pasta at home, this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe is the perfect place to start. Mezzaluna, meaning “half-moon” in Italian, is a delicate stuffed pasta that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly simple to make once you know the steps. With tender homemade dough and your choice of savory fillings, these little half-moon parcels can turn an ordinary dinner into something truly special.

Whether you fill them with smoked salmon and cream cheese, classic ricotta and spinach, or earthy mushrooms, mezzaluna pasta adapts beautifully to different flavors. Pair them with a light butter sauce, a fresh basil pesto, or a creamy tomato base, and you have a dish worthy of any Italian trattoria—right from your own kitchen.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: how to make the pasta dough, shape the mezzalune, choose fillings, and finish with delicious sauces. Even if you’re new to homemade pasta, you’ll find this recipe approachable, rewarding, and endlessly customizable.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional culinary or nutritional advice.

Table of Contents

What Is Mezzaluna Pasta?

Mezzaluna pasta, also known as mezzalune, takes its name from the Italian word for “half-moon.” These elegant little parcels are made by folding thinly rolled pasta dough over a spoonful of filling, creating a semi-circle shape with sealed edges.

In many ways, mezzaluna pasta is similar to ravioli, but the curved form gives it a slightly different bite and a more rustic look. This shape is traditional in the northern regions of Italy, especially Tyrol, where it has been enjoyed for centuries with both vegetarian and meaty fillings.

What makes mezzaluna so appealing is its versatility. The pasta can be stuffed with:

Cheese fillings – such as ricotta, mascarpone, or cream cheese.
Vegetable fillings – like spinach, mushrooms, or pumpkin.
Seafood fillings – smoked salmon or shrimp mousse for a refined touch.
Meat fillings – prosciutto, sausage, or braised beef for a hearty option.

Because the shape seals tightly, mezzalune hold their filling well and can be paired with a wide range of sauces—from a delicate butter drizzle to a robust tomato base. This makes them a wonderful choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe at home only requires a handful of simple ingredients. You can stick with the classic smoked salmon filling, or try your own variations depending on what you have on hand.

For the Pasta Dough

00 flour (preferred for pasta) – gives a silky, elastic dough.
Substitute: all-purpose flour or bread flour if 00 flour is unavailable.
Eggs – provide richness and structure. Use large eggs for best results.
Pinch of salt – enhances flavor.

For the Filling (Choose One)

Classic Salmon Filling: smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon juice.
Vegetarian Option: ricotta, spinach (cooked and squeezed dry), nutmeg, parmesan.
Mushroom Filling: sautéed mushrooms, garlic, ricotta, fresh parsley.
Meaty Filling: prosciutto, mascarpone, black pepper.

For the Sauce (Optional Pairings)

Lemon Dill Butter Sauce – light, tangy, perfect for seafood fillings.
Pesto Sauce – try this pasta al pesto for a fresh herbal touch.
Simple Tomato & Basil – classic and versatile.
Creamy Parmesan Sauce – rich and comforting.

Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe ingredients with flour, eggs, salmon, and ricotta

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to prepare mezzalune that are customizable, elegant, and always satisfying.

How to Make Mezzaluna Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Even if you’ve never made filled pasta before, this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe is very approachable. Follow these steps for perfect half-moon pasta every time.

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

Place 200 g of 00 flour (about 1 ½ cups) on a clean surface and form a well in the center.
Crack in 2 large eggs and gradually mix flour into the eggs with a fork or your hands.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Wrap in plastic wrap and rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

For Salmon Filling: Blend smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, and a squeeze of lemon until smooth.
For Spinach-Ricotta: Mix ricotta, cooked spinach, parmesan, and nutmeg.
For Mushrooms: Chop mushrooms finely, sauté with garlic, then combine with ricotta.

Season fillings lightly with black pepper (avoid too much salt if using smoked salmon or prosciutto).

Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe step by step shaping half-moon pasta

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pasta

Divide rested dough into 4 pieces.
Roll each piece into thin sheets using a pasta machine (or rolling pin), about 1 mm thick.
Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches / 7–8 cm) to cut circles of dough.

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Mezzalune

Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
Lightly brush edges with water.
Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges firmly to seal.
Use a fork to crimp edges for extra security and a decorative finish.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Drop in mezzalune and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the top.
Drain gently and toss with your sauce of choice.

Now you’re ready to enjoy tender, handmade mezzaluna pasta filled with your favorite flavors.

Easy Sauce Pairings for Mezzaluna

One of the best parts of this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe is how versatile it is with different sauces. The delicate half-moon pasta can take on bold or light flavors depending on the filling you choose. Here are some delicious pairings:

Lemon Dill Butter Sauce

Perfect for smoked salmon or seafood fillings. Melt butter in a pan, stir in lemon juice and fresh dill, then drizzle over the mezzalune. It’s light, fragrant, and elegant.

Classic Pesto

If you’re making a ricotta and spinach filling, a bright green pasta al pesto is a wonderful companion. The basil and olive oil bring out the freshness of the greens.

Tomato & Basil Sauce

A simple tomato base with garlic and fresh basil pairs well with cheese or meat-filled mezzalune. It balances richness with acidity.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

For a luxurious touch, whisk cream, parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg into a smooth sauce. This works beautifully with mushroom or prosciutto fillings.

These sauces can be made in minutes while the pasta cooks, making mezzaluna a dish that’s both impressive and practical for dinner at home.

Tips for Perfect Mezzaluna Pasta

Homemade stuffed pasta can feel intimidating at first, but with a few tricks you’ll master it quickly. Here’s how to make your Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe come out perfectly every time:

Roll the dough thinly – Aim for about 1 mm thickness. Too thick and the pasta will taste heavy, too thin and it may tear.
Keep dough covered – Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Seal edges firmly – Brush edges with water and press tightly to avoid leaks. A fork crimp adds extra security.
Avoid overfilling – A teaspoon of filling per round is enough. Too much will cause bursting during cooking.
Cook gently – Drop pasta into boiling water, but don’t stir vigorously. Cook until they float and turn tender.
Serve immediately – Mezzalune taste best fresh, with sauce added right before serving.

With these tips, your mezzalune will be delicate, flavorful, and beautifully shaped every time.

How to Store & Reheat Mezzaluna Pasta

One of the great things about this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe is that you can make it ahead and enjoy it later. Here’s how to store it properly so the pasta keeps its texture and flavor.

Refrigerating

Store uncooked mezzalune in a single layer on a floured tray.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cook directly from chilled — no need to bring to room temperature.

Freezing

Arrange mezzalune in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Keeps well for up to 2 months.
Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to boiling time.

Reheating Cooked Mezzaluna

If already sauced, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or stock.
If unsauced, drop into simmering water for 30–60 seconds to refresh, then toss with sauce.

Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe with homemade half-moon stuffed pasta

Storing pasta this way makes mezzalune perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or whenever you want homemade pasta without the extra work on the day of serving.

Nutrition Information

Homemade pasta is naturally more wholesome than most store-bought versions, since you control the ingredients. The nutrition for this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe will vary depending on your filling and sauce, but here’s an approximate breakdown for a salmon and cream cheese version (per serving):

Calories: ~670 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 88 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 900 mg

If you opt for vegetarian fillings such as ricotta and spinach, you’ll reduce sodium levels while keeping the dish protein-rich. Mushroom or meat-based versions may increase or decrease fat content depending on preparation.

For a lighter meal, pair mezzalune with a simple tomato-basil sauce. For a more indulgent option, creamy parmesan or butter sauces will add extra richness.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dietary or medical advice.

What to Serve With Mezzaluna Pasta

Because this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe is rich and flavorful on its own, the best sides are light and complementary. You don’t want to overpower the delicate fillings. Here are a few great options:

Vegetable Sides
- Sautéed asparagus with garlic and olive oil
- Steamed tenderstem broccoli with lemon zest
- A fresh arugula or courgette ribbon salad
Bread Pairings
- Crusty sourdough for soaking up sauces
- Ciabatta or focaccia with olive oil for dipping
Wine Suggestions
- A crisp dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) pairs beautifully with salmon or cheese-filled mezzalune.
- For mushroom or meat fillings, try a light red like Chianti.

These pairings help balance the richness of the pasta while creating a complete Italian-inspired meal.

More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Mezzaluna Pasta Recipe, you might also like exploring other unique pasta shapes and flavors. Each brings its own character to the table:

For a fresh, herby flavor, try this classic Pasta al Pesto.
Looking for comfort food? Ditalini Pasta is perfect for soups and hearty dishes.
For a big, bold pasta shape, explore Paccheri Pasta, ideal for stuffing or rich sauces.
For a celebrity-inspired favorite, don’t miss Meghan Markle’s Pasta.
If you’re cutting carbs but still crave pasta, check out this No Carb Pasta alternative.
For an elegant dinner, elevate your meal with Posh Pasta.

Exploring these recipes is a great way to expand your homemade pasta repertoire and discover new flavors to enjoy alongside mezzalune.

Conclusion: Bring Homemade Mezzaluna Pasta to Your Table

Crafting mezzaluna pasta from scratch isn’t just about cooking, it’s about creating a memory, a meal that comforts, delights, and connects you to timeless Italian tradition. This half-moon shaped pasta, filled with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, then topped with a flavorful eggplant sauce, is one of my go-to dishes when I want to slow down and savor every bite.

Whether you’re enjoying it alongside my chicken pasta or testing new shapes like paccheri or ditalini, homemade pasta brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this mezzaluna pasta be your next delicious masterpiece.

Craving simple, mouthwatering meals like our mezzaluna pasta? You’ll love what we’re cooking up every day!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is mezzaluna pasta?

Mezzaluna pasta is a handmade stuffed pasta shaped like a half-moon. It’s similar to ravioli but folded and sealed in a curved shape instead of squares.

What is the difference between ravioli and mezzaluna?

While both are filled pasta, ravioli are usually square or circular with flat edges, whereas mezzaluna pasta is crescent-shaped with a rounded edge that hugs the filling.

What is in Carrabba’s mezzaluna?

Carrabba’s mezzaluna typically includes tender pasta filled with chicken, ricotta, and spinach, served with a rich tomato cream sauce.

What is the rarest pasta shape?

Pasta shapes like su filindeu or corzetti are among the rarest and most labor-intensive. These shapes are made by hand and preserved by tradition in select Italian regions.

What is the oldest pasta shape?

Historians often point to lagane, an ancient flat pasta, as one of the oldest known pasta shapes.

Which pasta shape is best?

The best pasta shape depends on the sauce. For filled pasta, mezzaluna pasta is a comforting favorite, while short shapes like ditalini (see my ditalini pasta) are great for soups.