In this article, we will answer the question “How long can pasta sauce last in the fridge?”, and how to store pasta sauce?
Table of Contents
How long can pasta sauce last in the fridge?
The shelf-life of the pasta sauce depends on its base ingredients. The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of different types of pasta sauces.
| Types of pasta sauce | In the pantry(unopened) | In the refrigerator(opened) |
| Tomato-based pasta sauce | 1 year | 5-10 days |
| Cream-based pasta sauce | 6-8 months | 7 days |
| Oil-based pasta sauce | 1 year | 2 weeks |
| Dry-package pasta sauce | 6-12 months | 7-10 days(If prepared) |
Tomato-based pasta sauces will generally keep for longer due to the acidity of the tomatoes. If the tomato-based sauce contains meats, consume it within 2-3 days of refrigeration as the meat will spoil quicker than the tomato sauce. Diary-based pasts sauces like Carbonara, alfredo, Cajun alfredo, pesto cream, white clam, and beer cheese sauces should be consumed within hours of preparation because they spoil rapidly.
How to store pasta sauce?
After opening the can, transfer the store-bought sauce to an air-tight Tupperware or glass container. The same applies to a homemade pasta sauce. It will remain safe for a week on average. Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor.
If you want to extend the shelf-life beyond weeks, freeze store the sauce. Transfer the sauce to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an air-tight container and keep it in the freezer for up to 6-8 months. Any pasts sauce stored at 0°F will keep indefinitely in the freezer.
How to tell if the pasta sauce is bad?
- The consistency of the sauce will become thicker coupled with a tangy or sour odor when it is spoiled.
- If the sauce is tomato-based, it will develop a dull red color instead of a bright red color due to spoilage.
- If there are clear signs of mold on the surface or the sauce or on the lid, discard it immediately.
Which pasta should be paired with what type of sauce?
Spaghetti, Linguini, and Angel Hair Pasta should be paired with light olive oil-based sauces or Cream-based sauces like Carbonara.
Thick chunky meat sauces go best with Penne, Rigatoni, and Macaroni pasta. Pair Pesto and other lighter sauces with Fusilli, Gemelli, and Rotini pasta.
Top pasta sauces
Marinara
Marinara sauce is a staple ingredient of Italian-American cooking. The word ‘marinara’ is derived from ‘mariner’s’ and it shows the way fishermen paired the marinara sauce with their freshly-caught fish. It is made with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and onion. Capers, olives, or wine are optional ingredients.
Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Alfredo pasta sauce has a rich consistency and a creamy mouthfeel. It is made with Butter
Heavy whipping cream, Cream cheese, Garlic (minced and powder), Italian seasoning, Salt, Peppe, and some Parmesan cheese. All the ingredients are whisked together and simmered on low heat until a smooth consistency is achieved.
Bolognese Pasta Sauce
This meat-based sauce originated in Italy where it is known as Ragu in some parts. The basic ingredients are Butter, Olive oil, Salt, Pepper, Ground nutmeg, Ground beef, Milk, White wine, Tomatoes, Onion, Carrots, and Celery. The vegetables are sauteed in butter followed by the browning of the meat. Finally, the liquid ingredients are added and the sauce is allowed to simmer on low heat until thick.
Vegan Tomato Pasta Sauce
Vegan Tomato Sauce is the go-to sauce to pair up with pasta when you are in a hurry. It quicks in no time. The tomato puree is allowed to simmer with spices like garlic, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, basil, sugar, and oregano until thick.
Bean Bolognaise
Bean Bolognaise is a nutritious, delicious, and vegan-approved pasta sauce. To make this sauce, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery are sauteed in olive oil. Then tomato paste, wine, vegetable stock along with rosemary, bay leaves, passata, and salt is added. The sauce is allowed to simmer until thick. Finally, the beans are added for a protein boost.
Amatriciana Pasta Sauce
This guanciale-based pasta sauce is a part of the tradition in Italy. The guanciale is cured with pork cheek, tomatoes, pecorino cheese of Amatrice. It is considered to be the best and most admired sauces of the Italian and Roman cuisines.
Some variations also contain onions. Guanciale is fried in olive oil with garlic and pepper. Then tomato puree is added along with the spices and herbs. It is allowed to simmer on low heat until thick.
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Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long can pasta sauce last in the fridge?”, and how to store pasta sauce?
References
Sana Ameer
Hello, I'm Sana Ameer. I'm a student of Food Science and Technology at UVAS. I like to bake and I aspire to become a Food blogger.