How to Measure Pasta for Four People
- 1). Measure dry pasta on a scale. One pound of dry pasta will serve four as a main course.
- 2). Use measuring cups or small-shaped pasta such as macaroni, cavatelli, penne or ziti if you don't have a scale. Four ounces of uncooked pasta is equal to 1 cup of dried pasta. This will yield about 2 1/2 cups of cooked pasta. Sixteen ounces of pasta will serve four people.
- 3). Bundle strands of long pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti or vermicelli, to measure enough for four people. A 1-inch diameter bunch of long dry pasta is equal to about 4 ounces of uncooked pasta and will yield about 2 cups of cooked pasta; a 4-inch diameter bundle will serve four people.
- 4). Measure cooked pasta using measuring cups. Eight cups of cooked pasta will serve four people.
- 5). Experiment with measurements if you're planning a pasta dinner for four. Fresh, uncooked pasta made with eggs is heavier than dried pasta from the grocery store. As a general rule, 1/2 cup of uncooked, freshly made pasta will yield one serving of cooked pasta, and 2 cups of uncooked freshly made pasta will serve four people.
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