When cooking for two people, it can be tricky to figure out the right amount of pasta to make. Pasta is a versatile, crowd-pleasing staple that is easy to prepare. But how much should you cook when only feeding a pair? There are a few factors to consider when deciding how much macaroni to make for two servings.
Serving Size
The first thing to think about is what constitutes one serving of pasta. The standard serving size for cooked pasta is 2 ounces or 1/2 cup. This is a reasonable amount for one adult portion. So for two people, you’ll want to prepare 1 cup of dried macaroni.
However, serving sizes can vary based on the type of pasta you are making. Smaller pastas like macaroni may be closer to a 3/4 cup cooked serving per person. While larger pasta shapes like fettuccine are often 1/2 cup cooked per serving. Consider the size of the pasta and the appetites of your diners when determining serving sizes.
Cooking Method
The cooking method you use for the pasta also impacts how much you need to prepare. If boiling the pasta, you typically want to use 4 quarts of water per 1 pound of dried pasta. Since 1 cup of dried macaroni weighs around 4 ounces, for 2 servings you would boil 1 cup pasta in 4 cups or 1 quart of water.
However, if baking macaroni in a casserole or pasta bake, you may need slightly more uncooked pasta because some will be absorbed into the sauce as it cooks. In this case, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups dry macaroni would give you 2 plated servings after baking.
Leftovers
Are you hoping to have leftovers? Making extra allows for lunches the next day or easy reheating during a busy week. In general, 1 cup dry pasta will expand to 2-3 cups cooked. So if you want leftovers, cook at least 2 cups dry macaroni for 4-6 portions total.
Storing cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep for 3-5 days. You can easily reheat a serving with a little olive oil or sauce.
Side Dishes and Appetites
Consider what other side dishes you are serving alongside the pasta. If serving just a salad, 1 cup dry macaroni may be plenty for 2. But if you are also making garlic bread and a vegetable side, you may want to cook 1 1/4 cups dry to ensure enough pasta for your diners.
Also think about the appetites of who you are serving. While 1/2 cup cooked may be a standard serving, active teenagers or men with big appetites may want larger servings. Be sure to make extra if you know your diners tend to eat larger portions.
Recipe Guidance
If you are following a specific macaroni recipe, it should provide guidance on how much dry pasta is needed. Most recipes designed for 2 servings call for around 1 cup of dried macaroni elbows.
However, using a boxed macaroni and cheese mix for 2? Those are usually only designed to feed 1 as the main course. You’ll want to double the pasta amount to 1 1/2 to 2 cups dry macaroni for 2 hearty servings.
Summary
So how much macaroni should you cook for 2 people? The standard recommendation is 1 cup of dried macaroni will yield 2 servings after cooking. But factors like serving size preferences, other sides, and appetites can mean you need slightly more or less. Anywhere from 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups dry macaroni elbows will cover most two-person meals.
Tips
Here are some extra tips for perfectly portioned macaroni for two:
- Err on the side of caution – it’s easy to cook a little extra macaroni, but not to stretch too little. Making extra also leaves leftovers.
- Undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes so it’s al dente when sauced or baked.
- Use the pasta water to thin out the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- To avoid clumping, toss cooked pasta with a little oil or sauce immediately after draining.
- Can’t finish it all? Refrigerate leftover pasta separately from sauce to prevent sogginess.
Sample Macaroni Amounts for 2
Here is a table with some sample macaroni amounts to make for 2 servings:
| Meal | Dry Macaroni Needed |
|---|---|
| Simple mac & cheese from box | 1 1/2 cups |
| Pasta with red sauce | 1 cup |
| Macaroni salad | 3/4 cup |
| Baked ziti | 1 1/4 cups |
Macaroni Cooking Times
Cooking time can vary slightly by brand, but here are general macaroni cooking times to aim for:
| Shape | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 7-10 minutes |
| Small shells | 7-9 minutes |
| Medium shells | 10-12 minutes |
| Large shells | 12-14 minutes |
Conclusion
When cooking macaroni for 2 people, around 1 cup dry is a safe bet. But factor in your menu, serving sizes, and appetites as needed. Cook the pasta al dente, use the pasta water, and avoid clumping for perfectly portioned macaroni every time. With the right amount, you can enjoy this versatile pantry staple without leftovers or running short.