Pasta is traditionally made from wheat, but there are other types made from things like peas, lentils, beans, and other gluten-free ingredients. The expected fridge life of pasta depends on what it’s made of.
While dried pasta can last in your pantry for years, you may wonder exactly how long it keeps in the fridge once it has been cooked.
This article reviews how long different types of pasta last in the fridge, as well as the best storage practices to keep them fresh as long as possible.
This is because cooked pasta contains moisture that will eventually lead to mold growth, and cooler temperatures slow the expiration process (1, 2, 3).
It’s helpful to know how long you can expect different types and preparations of pasta to last in the fridge before they should be discarded.
Here’s how long some of the most popular types of pasta will last in the fridge (4, 5, 6):
Note that these are general expectations, and individual dishes may vary, but you can assume that most cooked pasta lasts for less than 1 week.
It’s still important to examine your pasta and make sure there are no signs of spoilage before you eat it.
You can usually tell whether your pasta has gone bad by looking at it and feeling it.
One of the most telling signs of expired pasta is that it has become slimy or gooey, which usually occurs right before visible mold begins to grow.
You may also notice that it has a dullness or discoloration, such as a grayish or whitish hue.
Sometimes you may even be able to smell that your pasta has started to go bad and should be thrown out.
If the spaghetti has been stored on its own, it can be consumed at the 5-day mark even if the texture is slightly off. Cooked pasta lasts longer when not stored with sauce. If it is mixed with sauce, I recommend throwing it away after 5 days.
Risks of eating expired pasta
Eating old pasta could make you sick if harmful germs are growing on it, and doing so may affect people differently.
You may experience symptoms of food poisoning that range from mild to severe, depending on what’s growing on the pasta you ate.
The most frequent symptoms of foodborne illness are gastrointestinal in nature, causing upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting (7).
One of the most common foodborne pathogens that can grow on old pasta is B. cereus, which can cause cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, this bacteria has even been known to cause death (8, 9).
If you eat old pasta that has other ingredients in it, such as meat, eggs, or dairy products, it’s more likely to be exposed to other common germs like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium, or Listeria as well (7).
To minimize your risk of foodborne illness from eating leftover pasta, it’s best to follow the general shelf-life expectations above, examine your pasta before eating it, and practice proper storage techniques.
Once you have cooked pasta, let any leftovers cool thoroughly and then store it in the fridge within 2 hours of being cooked.
Moisture trapped when warm pasta is sealed up and placed in the fridge can create the perfect environment for bacteria or mold to grow (2, 3).
Pasta in the fridge should be stored in shallow, airtight containers or resealable bags.
It can be helpful to toss the leftover cooked noodles in a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together too much in the fridge.
Lastly, be sure to keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or lower to preserve cold foods (3).
Is week old pasta OK to eat?
FAQ
Is pasta good after 7 days?
Is 1 week old pasta good?
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