Not sure how long your leftover spaghetti will last in the fridge? Whether it’s plain pasta or covered in sauce, here’s how to store it safely, reheat it, and know when it’s time to toss it. Follow these tips to keep your leftovers fresh—and your meals stress-free.
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FDA and USDA Guidelines
The USDA generally recommends consuming leftovers of any kind in 3-4 days on average. This will guarantee maximum freshness and is your safest bet.
How long does spaghetti last in the fridge?
According to USDA guidelines, you should use most cooked leftovers within 3-4 days if it is properly stored. Spaghetti needs to be stored in a refrigerator that is 40 degrees F or below. Food should be refrigerated at room temperature within 2 hours of serving and placed in a shallow airtight container.
How long does plain spaghetti last?
Cooked plain spaghetti or pasta will last in the fridge for about 5 days as it has a longer storage life than sauce. Fresh uncooked pasta is only good for 1-2 days before it needs to be cooked.
Dry pasta is shelf-stable and should be stored in a dry place in an airtight container. While it lasts a long time, as with everything it is good to still check the expiration date.
How long does spaghetti with meat sauce last?
Spaghetti with meat sauce will last about 4 days in the fridge which makes it perfect to eat for lunches during the week. If you want it to last longer, store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag and keep it in the freezer for 2-3 months. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
For meat sauce ideas, try my Turkey Spaghetti Sauce or this rich and comforting Short Rib Bolognese.
How long does spaghetti sauce last in the fridge?
Meat-free spaghetti sauce will last in the fridge for about 5 days. Make sure you allow the sauce to cool completely before putting it in the fridge.
Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or storage bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to defrost in the fridge then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Tomato-based sauces—like my Italian Pasta Sauce—typically last 5 to 7 days in the fridge when stored properly.
How to store spaghetti
- Storage Containers: The best way to store spaghetti noodles and sauces is in shallow airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Bigger containers allow more for more air which can lead to the leftovers going bad even sooner and freezer burn.
- Temperature: The FDA and USDA both recommend storing cooked food in the fridge at 40˚F or colder.
- Freezing Spaghetti: Freezing spaghetti is not my first recommendation but if you do, freeze it together with the sauce. Plain pasta will get mushy in the freezer and storing it with the sauce, allows it to keep its consistency. For best results, cook the pasta just to al dente.
- There is no food safety issue with frozen pasta, but the texture may turn you off. I recommend storing leftover sauce on its own and cooking fresh pasta when preparing leftovers as it doesn't take much time to cook. In this case, leftovers are at their best the next day.
How to tell if spaghetti is bad
- Pasta will be slimy and have a weird texture if it has gone bad.
- You will begin to see bacteria growth in the sauce. Mold growth may look like different types of herbs so be sure to thoroughly inspect the sauce before consuming it if it's been in the fridge for more than 3-5 days.
- If you notice a weird smell, it is time to toss the leftovers to avoid any food poisoning.
FAQs
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.
Tomato-based sauce should still be good for 10 days if there is no meat in the sauce. Tomatoes act as preservatives and can keep the sauce good for up to 10 days. If it is a cream-based sauce, it should be frozen or thrown out after 2-3 days. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage, throw it out immediately.
As long as the pasta is reheated to 165 degrees F, it is safe to eat. The danger zone for food is between 40 and 140 degrees F.
If the leftover noodles have been stored properly, you can definitely eat them cold. Just make sure you don't let them sit out too long.
Sarah's Top Tips
- An easy way to reheat leftovers is in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- If you stored the sauce and spaghetti separately, reheat the sauce on the stove over medium heat until hot. You can microwave the pasta or reheat it in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
- If you are eating plain leftover spaghetti you may want to toss it with a little olive oil and parmesan cheese after reheating.
- Frozen sauces and pasta noodles should be defrosted in the fridge for safety but can sit at room temperature for no more than 4 hours.
- Store-bought sauce may contain preservatives allowing it to last longer in the fridge than homemade pasta sauce.
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