How much pasta per person?
Use a clear dried and fresh pasta portion guide for adults, children, starters and main meals, with South African metric measurements.
Allow 80–100 g dried pasta per adult for a main meal, or 50–60 g for a starter. Children usually need 50–70 g, depending on age and appetite.
Portions depend on what surrounds the pasta. A rich baked dish stretches further than lightly dressed spaghetti, while hungry adults after sport may make a mockery of every chart.
Use the table as a reliable starting point, then adjust for your household.
Main meal or first course?
Italian menus often serve pasta before another course, so portions are smaller. In South African homes pasta is commonly the whole dinner, which makes 80–100 g dried pasta per adult more realistic.
Sauce changes the calculation
Chunky sauces with chicken, mince or vegetables add bulk. For those dishes, use the lower end of the pasta range and keep the plate balanced.
| Diner | Starter | Main meal |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 50–60 g | 80–100 g |
| Child | 30–40 g | 50–70 g |
| Six adults | 300–360 g | 480–600 g |
Keep in mind
- Measure once with a scale, then learn what your usual packet looks like.
- Use the portion calculator when children and adults share the table.