How much penne pasta to use for 100?

It's impossible to give you an exact amount of penne pasta for 100 people without more information! Here's why:

* Serving size: How much pasta do you want each person to have? A typical serving is 2 ounces (56 grams) of cooked pasta, but some people might want more or less.

* Appetizer or main course: Is the pasta a side dish or the main event? If it's the main course, you'll need more than if it's a side.

* Other dishes: Are you serving other dishes alongside the pasta? If so, you'll need less pasta.

Here's how to calculate the amount of penne pasta you'll need:

1. Decide on serving size: Choose a reasonable serving size per person. 2 ounces cooked is a good starting point.

2. Consider the pasta's role: If it's the main course, use a larger serving size. If it's a side, a smaller serving size is fine.

3. Calculate the total: Multiply the serving size by 100 (number of people).

4. Factor in cooking loss: Pasta absorbs water when it cooks, so you'll need a bit more uncooked pasta than calculated. Add 10-20% to your total.

5. Convert to pounds or grams: If you're using a recipe that uses pounds or grams, you'll need to convert your calculated amount.

Example:

* Serving size: 2 ounces cooked

* Pasta as a main course

* 100 people

Calculation:

1. 2 ounces (cooked) x 100 people = 200 ounces (cooked)

2. 200 ounces (cooked) x 1.2 (120% for cooking loss) = 240 ounces (uncooked)

3. 240 ounces / 16 ounces per pound = 15 pounds (uncooked)

You'll need approximately 15 pounds of uncooked penne pasta for 100 people.

Tip: It's always better to err on the side of having a little extra pasta, especially if you're unsure. You can always use leftovers for another meal!