In Italy, pasta is always served in relatively modest amounts before the main course—never with the main course or as the main course itself, as it is sometimes served in the United States. The amount of pasta served in Italy as a first course (or second course if it follows antipasti) is about two-thirds the amount served in the United States as a main course. One pound (450 grams) of dried pasta or 1½ pounds (675 grams) of fresh is usually about right for four main-course or six pasta-course servings.