The general guideline for how much spaghetti to cook per person is about 2 ounces (56 grams) of dry spaghetti. This amount typically yields approximately 1 cup of cooked pasta, which is considered a standard serving size
. However, portion sizes can vary depending on appetite and context:
- A normal portion often ranges from 70 to 80 grams of dry pasta per person, with some sources suggesting anywhere between 56 to 100 grams
- For a hearty meal or larger appetite, portions can be increased to about 100 to 125 grams per person
- For lighter meals or when serving multiple dishes, reducing the portion to around 56 grams (2 ounces) per person is common
- Some recommend about 2.5 ounces (70 grams) as a balanced portion, with flexibility to adjust between 2 to 3 ounces based on meal context
A practical way to measure spaghetti without a scale is to use your hand to form a circle with your thumb and forefinger about the size of a U.S. quarter; the amount of dry spaghetti that fits through this circle is roughly one serving (2 ounces)
. In summary, aim for about 56 to 75 grams (2 to 2.5 ounces) of dry spaghetti per person as a standard serving, adjusting up or down depending on hunger and meal composition.
