Bologna: Pasta Cooking Class & Tiramisu with Alessia’s Family Touch

Summary

Make tortellini from scratch in Bologna with a local cook and her cat

You’ll knead dough by hand in Alessia’s kitchen, shape tortellini under her watchful eye (and Pol the cat’s), taste homemade ragu and sage butter pasta, then finish with creamy tiramisu and local wine. Expect laughter, small imperfections, and genuine warmth — not just recipes but stories you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the flour dust on Alessia’s hands — she waved us in with a smile, apron already on, her cat Pol lounging nearby like he owned the kitchen. There’s something about stepping into someone’s actual home for a cooking class in Bologna that makes you feel like you’re visiting an old friend (even if you just met). The smell of simmering broth hit me before I’d even taken off my jacket. It was raining outside but inside it was warm and kind of chaotic in the best way.

Alessia started us on tortellini dough. She showed us how her grandmother did it — using just enough pressure, not too much — and laughed when my first try looked more like a dumpling than anything Bolognese. “It’s okay,” she said, “the first ones are always funny.” We made tagliatelle too, rolling out sheets so thin you could almost see through them. The ragu simmered while we worked, its smell mixing with fresh sage from her garden. At one point Pol tried to steal a bit of butter; nobody minded.

We sat down together at the end, pasta steaming in big bowls and glasses of wine clinking awkwardly as we tried to say “salute” properly. The tiramisu was soft and cold and somehow felt like a reward for all that kneading (my arms still hurt a little). I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so at home — honestly, I still think about that view from her window while we ate, rain tapping against the glass. If you want a real day trip cooking class in Bologna with actual locals (and their pets), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Bolognese cooking class

• Join cooking class with Alessia
• Prepare 2-3 typical Bolognese recipes
• Make different types of fresh pasta
• Cook sauces including vegetarian options
• Taste dishes with paired good wine
• Enjoy tiramisu dessert

Top questions

Is this Bologna cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Alessia prepares vegetarian pastas and sauces for guests who request them.

Are alcoholic beverages included in the cooking class?

Yes, wine is served during the meal as part of the experience.

Can infants or small children join the class?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram or stroller during the class.

Where does the Bologna pasta cooking class take place?

The class takes place in Alessia's home kitchen in Bologna.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Alessia's location.

Will we learn to make desserts too?

Yes, tiramisu is included as part of the cooking class menu.

How many types of pasta will we prepare?

You’ll make two or three typical Bolognese or regional pastas during the session.

Are service animals allowed at this experience?

Yes, service animals are welcome during the class.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on instruction with Alessia preparing two or three classic Bolognese pastas plus dessert (tiramisu), all necessary ingredients provided right in her home kitchen. You’ll enjoy your creations together over local wine before heading out into Bologna again — maybe still dusted with flour.