How long does refrigerated pasta last?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does refrigerated pasta last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of refrigerated pasta. Moreover, we are going to discuss whether or not you can refrigerate a reheated pasta and if you can store pasta in the freezer.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does refrigerated pasta last?
Different variants of refrigerated pasta last for different times. On average refrigerated cooked pasta can last for 3-5 days if it is stored at approximately 40°F or below.
The store-based wheat pasta lasts for 1-3 days when stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge. The home-made wheat pasta lasts for 4-5 days in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below when stored in an air-tight container.
The cooked wheat pasta lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The gluten-free pasta also has the same shelf life as that of the cooked wheat pasta and lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge.
When it comes to lentil-based pasta, it lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag. Pea-based pasta also lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bean-based pasta lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge while lasagna based pasta lasts for 5 days in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pasta cooked with sauce lasts for approximately 5 days in the fridge. While refrigerated tortellini pasta lasts for about 3-5 days when stored in an air-tight container at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
It is worth mentioning that the best way to store cooked pasta is to store it in an air-tight bag or container in the fridge within 2 hours of it being cooked. Always opt for shallow air-tight containers for storing pasta. You can also add olive oil or some other vegetable oil so that the pasta won’t clamp together much.
Can I refrigerate the reheated pasta?
So once you have reheated a frozen or refrigerated pasta then it is not recommended to refrigerate it again. The reason behind this is that once you reheat a pasta that was previously stored in a fridge or freezer, what happens is that the temperature of pasta increases by 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and as we know that bacteria grow at a faster pace between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, there are great chances that bacteria will start spreading o reheated pasta. Therefore if some leftovers of the reheated pasta are left, it is better to discard them.
How long can I keep the cooked pasta at room temperature?
You can only keep cooked pasta for as long as 2 hours at room temperature. As the bacteria grow at a faster pace between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so a pasta that is left in open for more than 2 hours, there are great chances that it already has been laden with bacteria.
But it is worth mentioning that you should never store the hot pasta directly in the air-tight container in the bag, or the moisture built-up inside the container due to steam emitted from hot pasta will provide a suitable environment for bacteria and microbes to grow in it. Therefore it is advised to thoroughly cool the pasta before storing it in an air-tight container.
Other FAQs about Pasta which you may be interested in.
How much water is needed to boil pasta?
How to keep the pasta from boiling over?
Can I store cooked pasta in the freezer?
Yes, you can store cooked pasta in the freezer to prolong its shelf life. Cooked pasta if kept in an air-tight container or air-tight bag in the freezer can last for up to 2-3 months easily. Thus keeping the pasta in the freezer will increase its shelf life considerably owing to the cool temperature of the freezer that halts the bacterial growth on the cooked pasta.
You can read how to freeze pasta here.
What are the health implications of eating spoiled pasta?
If you notice some discoloration in the pasta like the appearance of a whitish or grayish hue, it is the indication that your pasta has gone bad.
Moreover, if you have some mold growing on it, that also means that the pasta has spoiled. If you can feel something slimy while touching the pasta or you feel odd or off-smell, it means that your pasta has spoiled.
Eating pasta that has spoiled can put you at the risk of many food-borne illnesses especially food poisoning. Which symptoms of food poisoning you will experience generally depend on the type of bacteria growth the pasta had.
If you cooked old pasta with some meat or dairy product in it, then it can have bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter that can cause severe health issues.
Moreover eating pasta infected with B.Cereus can cause severe gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does refrigerated pasta last” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of refrigerated pasta. Moreover, we discussed whether or not you can refrigerate a reheated pasta and if you can store pasta in the freezer.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-does-pasta-last-in-the-fridge
