The amount of pasta you cook per person depends on a few factors:
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Appetite: Larger appetites might call for more pasta.
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Dish type: Heartier dishes with thicker sauces (like meat ragu) might use less pasta than lighter dishes with thinner sauces (like pesto).
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Serving style: If the pasta is the main course, you'll cook more than if it's a side dish.
Here's a general guideline to follow, with adjustments based on your preferences:
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Dry Pasta:
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2 ounces (56 grams): This is a standard serving size for a moderately sized main course pasta dish.
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1.5 ounces (42 grams): This is a good portion for a side dish or for people with smaller appetites.
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3 ounces (85 grams): This is a generous portion for a very large main course or someone with a big appetite.
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Fresh Pasta: Fresh pasta tends to be denser than dried pasta, so you can use slightly less:
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2 to 3 ounces (56-85 grams) per person: Adjust based on factors mentioned above.
Additional Tips:
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Consider the number of people you're cooking for and adjust the total amount of pasta accordingly.
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It's always better to cook a little extra pasta than you think you might need. Leftovers are great!
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If you're unsure, start with a slightly smaller portion and have extra cooked pasta on hand in case people want more.