How much pasta do you use for 400 people?

It's impossible to say exactly how much pasta you need for 400 people without more information! Here's why, and what you need to consider:

Factors that influence pasta quantity:

* Pasta type: Some pasta types are lighter and require less per serving (like angel hair), while others are heavier (like lasagna noodles).

* Appetite of your guests: Are you catering to a group of athletes or a group of seniors?

* Other dishes served: Is this pasta the main course or a side dish? Are you serving other substantial foods?

* Portion size: Are you serving a large portion or a smaller side portion?

General guidelines:

* Main course: A good starting point is 1.5 - 2 ounces (45-55g) of dry pasta per person.

* Side dish: You can reduce this to 1-1.5 ounces (30-45g) per person.

Calculation Example:

Let's assume you're serving a main course with 1.5 ounces (45g) of pasta per person. For 400 people, you would need:

* 400 people * 1.5 ounces/person = 600 ounces of dry pasta.

To convert ounces to pounds:

* 600 ounces / 16 ounces/pound = 37.5 pounds of dry pasta.

Important:

* Always cook a test batch: Before making a large batch, cook a small amount to ensure the pasta cooks to your desired texture.

* Consider buying in bulk: You can often get a better price per pound by buying pasta in bulk.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.