Cooked pasta can be measured by volume. The general rule is one pound of dry pasta or freshly made pasta will serve six as an appetizer or four as a main course. 4 ounces of uncooked pasta (1 cup dried pasta) equals 2 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, cavatelli, wheels, penne, or ziti. 4 ounces of uncooked or a 1-inch diameter bunch of dry pasta will equal 2 cups cooked spaghetti, angel hair, vermicelli, or linguine. How To Cook Pasta.