How much pasta to buy for fundraiser pasta feed?

Question

I am organizing a pasta feed for a fundraiser at my work and an unsure of how much pasta to bring. We will likely need to feed 200-250 people and will be giving everyone a single-serving portion of pasta. Does anyone have any idea how much pasta will be needed?

Answer 1

A one pound box of pasta feeds 4-6 people as an entree, 8 to 10 as a side dish. Whatever is being served with the spaghetti will have a direct effect on how much spaghetti to allow per person. This will vary depending on the age of the people being served and the time of day, as well as if it's being served as a buffet or being plated or if it's an all-you-can-eat dinner with seconds. Thick, heavy sauces require slightly less pasta. Calculate the size of your pasta serving. Then allow a measured amount of sauce per serving. When serving the sauce to a large number of people, scoop it onto the pasta using a pre-determined measure, even if it's just a small coffee mug or measuring cup you can quickly dip into the sauce.

Answer 2

I only picked out this recipe because I calculated it to feed 250 people with the amount of pasta that you requested.  Plus, if you have any left over, you can always add some chicken, sausage or vegetables to it to serve in your home.  Enjoy the fundraiser and raise lots of money for your cause.

INGREDIENTS

32 (16 ounce) packages penne pasta

7-3/4 cups olive oil, divided

94 cloves garlic, chopped

63 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

1-3/4 cups and 3 tablespoons dried parsley

1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup black pepper

7-3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and return to pot.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and parsley for about 1 minute. Season with red pepper flakes and black pepper. Stir into cooked pasta, along with remaining olive oil. Top with Parmesan.