the present invention relates to a machine for preparing aromatic beverages by means of extraction of a respective substance , such as espresso coffee and similar , that is characterized in that it comprises at least one extraction device adapted for extracting an single dose of said substance provided in a package , for example in the form of a substantially rigid capsule or substantially flexible pod , and a previous opening disposition disposed upstream of said extraction device and adapted to provide passageways in said single dose packages before the latter are supplied to said extraction device . the present invention further discloses a process for preparing beverages with anticipated opening of a package by means of said previous opening disposition disposed upstream of said extraction device .