How many pounds of pasta to feed 40 people?

It's tough to give an exact number without knowing how hungry your guests are and what else is on the menu! But here's a general guideline:

Conservative Estimate:

* 1 pound of dry pasta per 10 people. This assumes a moderate serving size and other dishes are present.

* 4 pounds of pasta for 40 people.

More Generous Estimate:

* 1.5 pounds of dry pasta per 10 people. This accounts for larger appetites and pasta as the main dish.

* 6 pounds of pasta for 40 people.

Factors to Consider:

* Appetites: Are your guests known to be big eaters?

* Other Dishes: Are you serving appetizers or a large salad?

* Pasta Type: Some pasta types (like spaghetti) are lighter than others.

* Cooking Method: Pasta expands when cooked, so account for that.

It's always better to have a bit more than you think you'll need. You can always make a pasta salad with leftovers!