Two cups of cooked pasta is sufficient, but the fact that it is mentioned on the ingredient list leads me to believe the recipe calls for two cups of uncooked pasta when in fact it only calls for two cups of cooked pasta. For example, if I wanted to use vermicelli as my pasta, how would I measure two cups of uncooked pasta? Two cups of dry vermicelli equals what? — Vince Romano, Grosse Pointe Park
If we want you to use cooked pasta in a recipe from the Free Press Test Kitchen, we will indicate it as “2 cups cooked pasta.” If we want you to use dry pasta, we’ll typically specify it as 2 cups (or 8 ounces or 1 pound, as necessary) of pasta. Additionally, we would give directions for cooking the pasta or say, “Cooked per package directions.” Additionally, if complete cooking instructions are provided, dry pasta must be used.
Measuring short pasta (bow-tie, rigatoni and elbow) is easy enough. However, half of a 1-pound box of spaghetti and vermicelli equals about 2 cups. You can also do it by weight. Typically, 2 cups of short pasta (like macaroni) weigh 8 ounces.
Having said that, the typical serving size for most dry pasta is 2 ounces, which can be found on the packages or boxes of the pasta. The size and shape will undoubtedly affect how that appears. However, 2 ounces of dry pasta, such as penne or bow tie, is typically equivalent to 1/2 cup. Once cooked, that amount yields 1 to 11/4 cups. Again, it depends on the size. Depending on the size of the noodle, 2 ounces of long strands of pasta will typically measure 2 inches in circumference or just a little bit more. According to www, that circumference produces roughly 1 cup of cooked pasta. barilla. com. Therefore, a box of dry pasta weighing 1 pound yields about 8 cups.
When cooking pasta, another issue that frequently arises is whether or not the water needs to be salted. The answer is a resounding yes. When deciding how much salt to use, I always recall Mario Batali’s advice to add just enough salt to make the water taste salty. At http://www. mariobatali. com, it is advised to use 6 quarts of water and 3 tablespoons of kosher salt for every pound of dry pasta, adding the salt to the water once it reaches a full boil.
The benefit of seasoning the water with salt is that it enhances the flavor of the pasta and the dish it is used in. Additionally, it is always advised to set aside some pasta cooking water to use later, if a sauce is being used. The sauce will benefit from the seasoning in the saved pasta water, and the starch in the water from the pasta will help thicken the sauce if necessary.
Have a question? Contact Susan Selasky noon-3 p. m. Thursdays at 313-222-6872 or e-mail sselasky@freepress. com. Follow her @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.
According to the instructions on the package, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it is al dente. Add the broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes about two minutes before the pasta is finished cooking. Cook 2 more minutes. Remove 2 cups of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and tomatoes. Refill the pot with the cooking water and keep it on low heat.
Having said all that, what’s generally listed on the packages/boxes of most dry pasta as the serving size is 2 ounces. What does that look like? It will definitely depend on the size and shape. But generally, 2 ounces of dry pasta like penne or bow tie is about 1/2 cup. Once cooked, that amount yields 1 to 11/4 cups. Again, it depends on the size. When it comes to long strands of pasta, 2 ounces is typically 2 inches or just a smidgen more in circumference depending on the size of the noodle. That circumference yields about 1 cup of cooked pasta as listed at www.barilla.com. So a 1-pound box of dry pasta cooks up to about 8 cups.
The benefit of seasoning the water with salt is that it enhances the flavor of the pasta and the dish it is used in. Additionally, it is always advised to set aside some pasta cooking water to use later, if a sauce is being used. The sauce will benefit from the seasoning in the saved pasta water, and the starch in the water from the pasta will help thicken the sauce if necessary.
If we want you to use cooked pasta in a recipe from the Free Press Test Kitchen, we will indicate it as “2 cups cooked pasta.” If we want you to use dry pasta, we’ll typically specify it as 2 cups (or 8 ounces or 1 pound, as necessary) of pasta. Additionally, we would give directions for cooking the pasta or say, “Cooked per package directions.” Additionally, if complete cooking instructions are provided, dry pasta must be used.
In the meantime, put the garlic in a sizable, heat-resistant serving bowl that can partially fit in the pot. Whisk the half-and-half into the bowl after adding the mustard. While the water is heating, put aside or place a cover over the pasta pot to keep warm. Once the water begins to boil, remove the bowl.
Turning a Serving of Pasta into a Meal
Spaghetti by itself won’t feel like much of a meal, but because pasta is a blank canvas, you must add to it for it to be satiating and filling. Here are some strategies for making a serving of pasta feel truly substantial.
Make the best pasta with these tips[rd-video id=”1134070″]
| Type of Pasta | Uncooked Amount | Cooked Amount |
| Angel Hair | 8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Bow Tie | 4 cups/8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Egg Noodle | 4 cups/8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Elbow Macaroni | 2 cups/8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Fettuccine | 8 oz. | 3-1/4 cups |
| Linguine | 8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Medium Shell | 3 cups/8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Rigatoni | 3 cups/8 oz. | 4 cups |
| Rotini | 3 cups/8 oz. | 4-1/2 cups |
| Spaghetti | 8 oz | 5 cups |
| Thin Spaghetti | 8 oz. | 4-1/2 cups |
| Vermicelli | 8 oz. | 4-1/2 cups |
| Ziti | 3 cups/8 oz. | 4-1/2 cups |
FAQ
How much dry egg noodles make 4 cups cooked?
Dry pasta guidelinesType of PastaUncooked AmountCooked AmountBow Tie4 cups/8 oz. 4 cupsEgg Noodle4 cups/8 oz. 4 cupsElbow Macaroni2 cups/8 oz. 4 cupsFettuccine8 oz. 3-1/4 cups.
How much dry pasta do I need for 1 cup cooked?
One cup of cooked pasta is produced from two ounces of dry pasta, or 1/2 cup of dry pasta.
How much does 1 cup of dry egg noodles make cooked?
Measure egg noodles using measuring cups or a food scale. (56 g) of egg noodles is equivalent to approximately 1 1/4 cups of cooked noodles and egg noodles. Unlike macaroni pastas, egg noodles are typically measured in measuring cups the same way whether they are cooked or dry.
How much is 2 cups of dry noodles?
Typically, 2 cups of short pasta (like macaroni) weigh 8 ounces.