If you don’t have a lot of time to cook, pasta is a wonderful and delicious pantry item to have on hand for a quick meal or even a few meals because pasta keeps so well. Reheat leftover pasta for another dinner or a lunch. But how do you store cooked pasta?
How to Store Cooked Pasta
Storing Cooked Pasta – What’s the Best way to Store your Freshly Cooked Pasta?
Pasta is one of those things that stores so nicely, it’s a good idea to make extra every time you cook a pot. Did you ever wonder why you order spaghetti in a restaurant and it comes out so fresh and delicious in a matter of minutes?
Follow along below to see restaurant secrets to keeping your pasta fresh and tasty all week.
Storing cooked or leftover pasta can save so much time for dinner another night. Saves tons of time and money as well. One of our favorite dishes is definitely Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, so if you are cooking this delicious meal, make a little extra pasta to use later in the week.
How to Store Cooked Pasta?
So, how do you store cooked pasta –
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
- While pasta is still warm in the colander, rinse lightly with cold water. This will remove a small amount of starch.
- Toss pasta with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. About 2-3 teaspoons per 1/2 lb. of pasta.
- Place the pasta in the fridge until cooled.
- Once the pasta is cooled, remove from the fridge and place in individual plastic bags for the correct serving size you will need.
- To reheat, simply boil a small pot of water and toss in the pasta for about 30 seconds or until heated through. Drain well. Pasta will be as fresh as the first time you cooked it.
- Smaller servings of pasta and pasta cooked in sauce can also easily be reheated in the microwave.
This can be done with any pasta or spaghetti you are using but may be a bit trickier with tender lasagna noodles.
How to Store Leftover Pasta?
You can also store leftover pasta in glass airtight containers. Leftover pasta will last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. If you store leftover pasta mixed with the sauce, then it can easily be reheated in the microwave. Keep in mind that the pasta may soak up some of the sauce so have a little additional sauce on hand if you plan on eating leftovers for another dinner. You can also perk up leftover pasta with a little bit of butter or olive oil.
How to Store Cooked Spaghetti
Cooked spaghetti needs to be rinsed before storing so it doesn’t clump or stick. Once the spaghetti has been drained, stir in a little bit of butter or olive oil. Make sure the spaghetti has had time to cool down and was well rinsed before storing.
How to Store Dry Pasta?
Opened Box: The best way to keep your pasta fresh is to store your dry pasta in seal-tight glass containers. You can use large mason jars or large jars with a cork lid. Pasta that is stored correctly will last up to one full year and maybe a little longer
Unopened Box: If your pasta is still in the unopened box then leave it in the box until ready to use. A box of pasta that has not been opened can last for up to two years.
Can Leftover Pasta/Spaghetti be Frozen
Freezing pasta is awesome because it saves so much time and money. It can even prevent you from a huge takeout bill! Cook your pasta al dente in salted water. Drain well and stir in a little bit of butter or olive oil. Let the pasta cool for about 30 minutes. Store in a zip lock freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat by tossing it into boiling water or a boiling sauce.
Pasta Making Tips:
- Use enough water. Use about 5 quarts of water per 1 lb. of pasta or spaghetti. If you are cooking smaller quantities of pasta, then you can use less water. If you have a shorter pot and you are cooking spaghetti, then break the spaghetti in half.
- Add water to the pot then the salt. Don’t wait to add the salt. Start with about 1/2 tablespoon and do a taste test before adding the pasta. This is an important step so don’t skip it.
- Bring the water to a boil and then stir in the pasta. Keep the water at a low boil at all times. Stir the pasta for a least the first minute to prevent sticking. Don’t take your eyes off of that pot for the first minute.
- Learn to cook pasta the way you like it. Do a taste test by biting into a piece of pasta as it cooks. Careful not to burn your mouth. Practice makes perfect for making pasta. Don’t overcook or under cook pasta.
Our Favorite Sauce Recipe for Leftover Spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28) can whole tomatoes
salt & pepper
How to Make a Simple Sauce: Using a large skillet, cook the garlic in the butter and olive oil. Break up the whole tomatoes with your fingers as you add them to the skillet. Lightly salt and pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes.
Serve with leftover heated spaghetti. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
These are great tips on how to Store and Preserve Leftover Pasta, so You have a Few More Meals Later in the Week.
What Containers to Use to Store Pasta?
We LOVE glass containers to store pasta or spaghetti. Glass containers are airtight and will help to keep any pasta fresher longer. We also prefer using glass over plastic. Glass also holds up better in the dishwasher.
What To Do with Leftover Pasta?
- Make a Delicious Pasta Salad
- Serve with your Favorite Sauce
- Make an Easy Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
- Serve with Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs – Dinner will be on the table in 15 minutes!
- Toss leftover Pasta into your Favorite Soup
- Add to your Favorite Cooked Chili Recipe