How Much Pasta?

There is no rigid rule about how much pasta to cook. It all depends on whom you are feeding and what else you are feeding them. A traditional meal in Italy has no "main" course, it is rather a succession of harmonious courses of which pasta is usually one. Outside Italy, pasta is generally served as the main event, making a complete meal when paired with a crusty loaf of bread and a fresh green salad.
A good rule of thumb is to allow about 2 1/2oz (75g) for a first course serving and 4oz (125g) for a main course serving. The recipes in this book will generally serve about 6 people as a starter and 4 people as a main course.