Pasta Per Person Calculator
Calculate exactly how much pasta you need for any meal. Perfect for family dinners, parties, and meal planning.
Calculate Pasta Portions
Pasta Portion Guidelines
Standard Portions (Dried Pasta)
| Serving Type | Per Person (Dry) | Cooked Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Main Course | 100-125g | 200-250g (2 cups) |
| Side Dish | 60-75g | 120-150g (1 cup) |
| Pasta Salad | 50-60g | 100-120g (3/4 cup) |
| Appetizer | 40-50g | 80-100g (1/2 cup) |
Fresh vs Dried Pasta
- Dried Pasta: 100g dry = 200g cooked (doubles in weight)
- Fresh Pasta: 130g fresh = 170g cooked (30% expansion)
- Rule of Thumb: Use 30% more fresh pasta by weight than dried
- Package Guide: 500g dried pasta = 4-5 main servings
Perfect Pasta Tips
Use Plenty of Water
Use 4-5 liters of water per 500g pasta. Pasta needs room to move freely. Add 1 tablespoon salt per liter of water.
Don't Break Long Pasta
Keep spaghetti and linguine whole. Stir as it softens and bends into the water. Breaking pasta is considered poor practice in Italian cooking.
Cook Al Dente
Cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for firm texture. Pasta continues cooking when drained and mixed with sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water
Save 1 cup of starchy cooking water before draining. Use it to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling to pasta.
Don't Rinse (Usually)
Never rinse hot pasta unless making pasta salad. The starch helps sauce adhere. Only rinse for cold pasta dishes.
Match Shape to Sauce
Thin sauces pair with long pasta, chunky sauces with short pasta. Ridged pasta holds sauce better than smooth varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much pasta do I need for 20 people?
For 20 people as a main course, you need 2-2.5kg (4.4-5.5 lbs) of dried pasta. This yields approximately 40-50 cups of cooked pasta, ensuring everyone gets 200-250g cooked portion. If serving as a side dish, reduce to 1.2-1.5kg.
Does pasta shape affect portion size?
Weight portions remain the same (100g per person), but shapes measure differently. 100g spaghetti fits in a 2.5cm diameter circle, while 100g penne fills about 1.5 cups. Always measure by weight for accuracy, especially when cooking for groups.
How do I measure pasta without a scale?
For long pasta, a 2.5cm (1 inch) diameter bundle equals about 100g. For short pasta, 1 cup dried equals approximately 100g. Most pasta packages are 500g, which serves 4-5 people as main course. Use your hand: a closed fist of dried pasta is roughly 75-100g.
Can I cook pasta ahead for a party?
Yes, but undercook by 2-3 minutes, drain, toss with olive oil, and refrigerate. Reheat in boiling water for 30-60 seconds or microwave with splash of water. For best results, cook pasta fresh just before serving - it only takes 8-12 minutes.
Why does my pasta stick together?
Pasta sticks due to insufficient water, not stirring early, or overcrowding the pot. Use 5L water per 500g pasta, stir immediately after adding pasta, and stir occasionally during cooking. Don't add oil to water - it prevents sauce from adhering later.
How much sauce do I need per person?
Plan 100-125ml (1/2 cup) sauce per person for main course pasta. Light sauces need 80-100ml, while chunky or meat sauces need 125-150ml. For 500g pasta (4-5 servings), prepare 400-500ml sauce. Too much sauce drowns pasta flavor.
How long can I store cooked pasta?
Store cooked pasta in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Reheat in boiling water for 30 seconds, microwave with splash of water, or sauté in pan. Frozen cooked pasta lasts 2-3 months.
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