How much pasta for 60 people?

It's impossible to give an exact amount of pasta for 60 people without more information! Here's why:

* Type of pasta: Some pasta types are more filling than others. For example, a hearty pasta like penne will likely need less than delicate spaghetti.

* Serving size: Are you aiming for a main course portion or a smaller side dish?

* Appetites: Are you catering to a group of hungry teenagers or a crowd of light eaters?

* Other dishes: Will there be other food items on the menu, or is pasta the main attraction?

Here's a general guideline:

* Main course: Plan for 1.5 - 2 cups of cooked pasta per person.

* Side dish: Plan for 1 - 1.5 cups of cooked pasta per person.

To calculate the amount of dry pasta needed, consider:

* Dried pasta typically doubles in size when cooked.

* Check the package directions for cooking times and ratios.

Example:

If you're serving pasta as a main course and expect hungry eaters, you might use the higher end of the guideline: 2 cups cooked per person.

* 2 cups cooked per person x 60 people = 120 cups of cooked pasta

* 120 cups cooked pasta / 2 (to account for doubling when cooked) = 60 cups of dry pasta

* 60 cups of dry pasta / 2 cups per bag (assuming standard-sized bags) = 30 bags of dry pasta

Remember: It's always better to err on the side of having a little extra than not enough.