I cooked some pasta for my daughter’s birthday party. There were a lot of leftovers and I do not have time to make a new batch of sauce and cook them up. Would freezing the pasta help it last longer? If it does, how long would I be able to store them?
Pasta is super quick and easy to cook, but for busy people with no time for cooking, freezing pasta would be a lifesaver especially when you’re in a rush.
Freezing cooked or leftover pasta would help for longer storage. However, you must take note that this works best if your pasta is cooked al dente. Cooked pasta could last for months when frozen. If the pasta was cooked and sealed well, it would freeze just fine.
Can You Freeze Pasta?
If you intend to freeze your pasta, be sure to cook them al dente. The more moisture your pasta has, the faster it will go bad and once you reheat already soft pastas, it becomes mushy. Firmer yet edible pastas are ideal for freezing.
Cooked pasta could last for only 7 days when kept in the fridge, but when stored in the freezer, it could last for 6 to 8 months.
You can tell when your pasta has gone bad when it gives off a bad odor. It also gets slimy, which means molds are about to form.
Make sure that your pasta has cooled completely and that the containers you used are sealed well before putting them into the freezer. This is to avoid the accumulation of moisture and to keep out from contaminants.
When reheating the pasta, make sure that it has been distributed fairly in the container so that the microwave would do a good job in heating all the pieces all at the same time.
Aside from putting pasta in containers and tossing them immediately into the freezer, you could also lay them in a baking sheet first to let them freeze. Once they are frozen, you can pack them in separate freezer bags.
How to Freeze Pasta?
Pastas can be cooked easily, and most pastas are also freezer friendly. The way the pasta is cooked could affect the pasta’s shelf life.
- After cooking the pasta al dente, add a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the pasta on a baking tray with wax paper. You can portion your pasta into smaller amounts so it would be easier for you to put them in bags later.
- Put the tray in the freezer until the pasta becomes hard enough.
- Once they’re frozen, take the tray out and put the portioned pasta in separate air tight freezer bags.
- Label the bags, seal them well, and put them back in the freezer.
- If this process is quite a hassle for you, you can also just put the pasta directly in freezer bags or other air tight containers, and then place them into the freezer, skipping the baking tray step.
- When reheating pasta, you can either use a microwave or toss them into a pan to cook them.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Pasta?
Pasta is a staple in many households, but sometimes you end up with extra pasta. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to use up your leftover pasta. Here are five delicious ideas:
- Make a pasta salad – Pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover pasta. Just add in some vegetables, dressing, and seasonings, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy dish in no time.
- Use it as a pizza topping – If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pasta as a pizza topping. It may sound strange, but the noodles can actually be quite delicious on pizza. Just give it a try!
- Create a pasta bake – Another great way to use up leftover pasta is to make a pasta bake. Just add in some sauce and cheese, and you’ll have a hearty meal that everyone will love.
- Make a frittata – A frittata is a type of Italian omelet that is made with eggs and vegetables. To make a frittata, simply add your leftover pasta and vegetables to an omelet mixture and cook until firm.
- Use it as stuffing – Pasta can also be used as a stuffing for chicken or fish. Just combine the pasta with some bread crumbs, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese, and you’ll have a delicious and easy way to use up your leftovers.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover pasta. The next time you find yourself with extra noodles, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Pasta Recipes
This classic carbonara recipe is a creamy and delightful meal that both kids and adults will love. Check out the recipe:
If you want to add some seafood into your pasta instead of meat, this shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for you. Find it here:
Late for work and haven’t made school lunch for your kids yet? Try making this spaghetti to speed things up! See the recipe here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze pasta. It‘s actually better to cook it before putting it in the freezer because then it won’t overcook once reheated. To freeze cooked pasta, drain the water completely and let it dry out a little bit so that there is no remaining liquid. Put the pasta in an airtight bag or container and label it with today’s date. You can store your frozen pasta for 1-3 months. When reheating, do not use the stovetop or microwave oven because both will make your spaghetti too mushy and overcooked. Instead, boil some water separately and pour over the spaghetti until the desired moisture level is achieved (not more than 5 minutes).
How do you plan on freezing your spaghetti? Share your experience with me in the comment below. I am always looking to hear from my readers.
