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When determining how much pasta to purchase, it is best to buy according to weight because it is difficult to measure the varying sizes and shapes of pasta. If following a recipe, purchase the amount required by the recipe. If determining the amount to purchase according to the number of people to be served, you need to consider whether the pasta will be serve as the main course or a side dish. Keep in mind that if you purchase and cook more pasta than you need, the excess can be stored and reheated. The following information may be helpful in determining your needs.
The quantities in the chart below are approximates only.
Quantities will vary according to the size, shape and brand of pasta.
| Type |
Uncooked |
Quantity Cooked |
| Weight |
Quantity |
Small to Medium
Dry Pasta Shapes
(Elbow macaroni, shells, fusilli, penne, etc.) |
2 oz. |
1/2 Cup |
1 Cup |
Small to Medium
Dry Pasta Shapes |
4 oz. |
1 Cup |
2 Cup |
Small to Medium
Dry Pasta Shapes |
8 oz. |
2 Cups |
4 Cups |
Long Dry Pasta
(Spaghetti, vermicelli, fettuccine, etc.) |
4 oz. |
3/4 Inch Diameter Bunch |
2 Cups |
| Long Dry Pasta |
8 oz. |
1 1/2 Inch Diameter Bunch |
4 Cups |
| Fresh Egg Noodles |
8 oz. |
|
2 1/2 Cups |
| Serving Sizes |
| Main Course |
4 oz. |
1 Cup |
2 Cups |
| Side Dish or 1st Course |
2.5 oz. |
5/8 Cup |
1 1/4 Cups |
The quantities above are basic standards that can be used for estimating the quantity to buy. Another option for estimating your needs is to refer to the table on the backside of the package, which shows yields for that specific type of pasta. When using fresh pasta in place of dried pasta, the amount used will need to be adjusted because when cooked, dried pasta will produce close to 60% more than the fresh pasta. If the recipe calls for 16 ounces of dried pasta, you will need approximately 26 ounces of fresh pasta. |
