So, you’ve just made a large pasta pot, and you’re wondering: How long does pasta last in the fridge?”. If so, you’re not alone. Knowing how long pasta can be stored in the fridge before it spoils is incredibly useful.
Our detailed guide breaks down how long pasta lasts in the fridge. We’ll also explore how to store pasta to keep it fresh for longer.
How Long Does Pasta Last In the Fridge?
So, how long does pasta last in the fridge? Based on the type of pasta, here are the general times for how long pasta lasts in the fridge:
- Fresh homemade pasta: 4 to 5 days
- Dried pasta: 1 to 3 days
- Organic wheat pasta: 3 to 5 days
- Bean-made pasta: 3 to 5 days
- Wheat-free pasta: 3 to 5 days
- Stuffed pasta: 3 to 5 days
- Cooked pasta with sauce: 5 days
That said, you should not store pasta in the refrigerator for more than a week. And you should check to see if your pasta is fresh before eating it.
How To Tell If Refrigerated Pasta Has Gone Bad
As we previously stated, dried pasta doesn’t go bad. However, there are usually several unmistakable signs that cooked pasta has passed its prime.
Texture
By feeling the texture of your pasta, you can usually determine if it’s past its shelf-life. If the pasta appears sticky, it may be time to toss it. This stickiness usually occurs before mold begins to grow.
Mold
Mold can be identified by the presence of white or black murky flecks on your cooked pasta. It appears when pasta is stored for a period that exceeds its shelf life.
Color
Check for any discoloration or dullness, for instance, a gray or pale color on the pasta. And any brown or black patches indicate that the pasta should be discarded.
Smell
The smell alone can sometimes tell you whether your pasta has gone bad. A sour odor is a dead giveaway.
Note if none of the above signs appear, your pasta should be fine to eat. Of course, if it’s been a week, it’s better to be safe by throwing it out and starting over.
The Best Way To Store Pasta In The Fridge
When it comes down to it, each form of pasta requires a unique storage method. Here is how to store pasta:
Uncooked Pasta
The storage method for dry pasta is relatively simple. After opening the package, you can leave the pasta in it and use a peg or clip to close the package.
You can also put it into an airtight container or mason jar. These containers will keep the pasta fresh, as opposed to plastic packaging, which dries it out. And you can store your pasta this way for up to a year. After a year, pasta tends to go stale and lose its flavor.
It’s also a good idea to keep your pasta in a cold, dark spot to extend its shelf life. A dark pantry, for example, is an excellent storage location.
Cooked Pasta
Unless the recipe specifies an entire box of pasta, it is easy to cook more than you need mistakenly. Fortunately, there are several methods for storing leftover pasta for later use.
The Freezer Method
From penne to spaghetti, freezing your pasta is a perfect way to ensure you enjoy great pasta for up to a month. Simply toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil and let it cool. Then place it in a resealable bag or airtight container before freezing.
The Refrigerator Method
Before putting your pasta in the fridge, drizzle it with a bit of cooking oil. This keeps it from clinging together. Finally, set your refrigerator temperature to at least 40°F (4°C) and place it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Conclusion
Dried pasta can be stored for longer. Unfortunately, most cooked pasta can only be stored in the refrigerator for a short period before you have to throw it out. Therefore, knowing the answer to the question, “How long does pasta last in the fridge?” is critical when storing leftover pasta.