Did you make a bunch of spaghetti and are wondering how long you can keep it in the fridge?
We’ve got the answer!
In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, we will cover:
- How long spaghetti lasts in the fridge
- How to store it to help it last longer
- And much more!
NOTE: This article was reviewed by Melissa Macher, Registered Dietician and Food Scientist for safety and accuracy.
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How Long Does Spaghetti Last in the Fridge?
Spaghetti can last in the fridge for 3-4 days as long as it is placed in the proper container. If you have more spaghetti than you can eat in a few days, freezing the leftovers is also an option.
If you’ve lost track of how long a batch of spaghetti has been in your fridge, then it’s best to check for signs of spoilage before you consume it.
Read on to learn all about how long spaghetti will stay good in your fridge, as well as tips to help it last longer.
How Long Does Uncooked Spaghetti Last?
Once spaghetti has been cooked, it will likely only stay good for 3-4 days. After that, it may start to get dry and not taste very good.
If you have uncooked spaghetti in your fridge, there are a couple of different answers depending on the type of spaghetti you have. Fresh pasta from a deli will usually have a best-by date on the package. You should follow this recommendation and throw the pasta out if the date has passed.
If the pasta is the hard, uncooked version that comes in a cardboard box, these noodles can be stored in your pantry and do not need to be kept in the fridge. You should follow the best-by date on the package, but usually, these noodles are good for 1-2 years.
Related >> How Long Does Salami Last in the Fridge?
How Long Does Spaghetti Last in the Freezer?
If you want your spaghetti to last longer than the 3-4 days then you should consider freezing it. When spaghetti is frozen, it can last for up to 6 months when kept in an air-tight container.
While freezing spaghetti does keep it good longer, it might degrade the quality of the noodles a bit. Typically, the freezing does not damage the noodles enough to change the taste, just the consistency.
In order to avoid the noodles getting too soft when reheated, it is recommended to make spaghetti al dente if you plan to freeze it for a long time. This way, when it is reheated, it will simply finish cooking rather than falling apart.
Can You Freeze Homemade Spaghetti?
Making your own pasta is a daunting task, and you may think it is a good idea to make extra and save it for a later date. The good news is you can freeze homemade spaghetti.
Homemade pasta can be stored in an air-tight container for 1-2 months in the freezer. It’s best to put them in a rigid container, so they don’t get smashed by other items in your freezer.
How to Store Spaghetti in the Fridge
If you put the spaghetti in the fridge without being covered, it will get dry very quickly. Spaghetti lasts best in the fridge when it is kept in an air-tight container, this can be Tupperware or a Ziploc bag.
After your family finishes eating, you can put spaghetti in the container of your choice right away. Do not put the container in the fridge just yet, however, as you need to let the container cool. Make sure you don’t leave the spaghetti out for over 2 hours or it will develop harmful bacteria.
If you put a hot container in your fridge, this will raise the temperature of your fridge and could spoil other food you have in there. Once the container has cooled, place it on a shelf in your fridge.
![[10-Pack,22 Oz]Glass Meal Prep Containers](https://thegrillingdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/51r8-wtoMJL._SL500_.webp)
More Storage Tips
Below are some of our top storage tips for spaghetti that you should use to keep your spaghetti fresh as long as possible
- Let spaghetti cool before storing it
- Date your spaghetti containers, so you know what date you cooked it
- Ensure the container is sealed to keep out air
How to Tell if Spaghetti has Gone Bad
Sometimes, you may forget how long ago you froze spaghetti. In these cases, you should look for signs the spaghetti has gone bad before you consume it.
You will know spaghetti has gone bad if there is any sort of white or green mold on the sauce or the noodles. You should also ensure the noodles and sauce are the right colors and don’t look odd.
When you pull the noodles out of the fridge or freezer, if they are slimy, crumbly, or fall apart, it is likely they are bad. If you aren’t sure whether or not the spaghetti is good, you should throw it out rather than risk food poisoning.
How Long Does Spaghetti Last Without a Fridge?
Unfortunately, without a fridge, spaghetti will not last long before bacteria will begin to grow. Once spaghetti has cooled, it should be placed in the fridge within 2 hours, otherwise, bacteria will begin to grow.
If you have left spaghetti out and you are not sure how much time has passed, you should toss it out to be safe rather than risk illness.
How Long is Spaghetti Sauce Good For?
Spaghetti sauce is slightly more stable than noodles. Whether it is homemade or store-bought, once open, spaghetti sauce will last for 5-7 days in the fridge.
If you would like your spaghetti sauce to last longer, it is recommended to place it in the freezer. When stored in the freezer, spaghetti sauce can last for 6 months or more. Spaghetti sauce is easy to reheat, either in the microwave or on a saucepan on the stove.
Can You Freeze Cooked Spaghetti with Sauce?
It is recommended to freeze cooked spaghetti with sauce. While you can freeze both separately, it is much easier to thaw or reheat spaghetti noodles that are in the sauce.
This is because the sauce provides much-needed moisture that can be leached from the noodles during the freezing process. It is recommended to freeze cooked spaghetti with sauce in a rigid container or Ziploc bag.
How to Reheat Spaghetti
Reheating spaghetti is very easy whether you put the leftovers in the fridge or the freezer. If you keep it in the fridge, you can simply put the pasta on a plate and put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
You can also reheat spaghetti in a saucepan on the stove. If the spaghetti is with sauce, there is no need to add anything to the pan. If the spaghetti noodles were saved by themselves, add a little oil to the pan to keep the noodles from sticking and burning.
For frozen spaghetti, it is best to reheat the spaghetti on the stove. As with the above instructions, you will want to add a little oil if the noodles were not frozen with the sauce.
You can also pull frozen spaghetti out of the freezer and put it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then you can follow either the microwave or stovetop reheating instructions.
Curious About Other Leftovers?
If you’re curious about how long other leftovers will last in the fridge, here are a few of our guides:
- How long does leftover ground beef last
- How long does leftover chicken last
- How long does leftover bacon last
- How long does leftover pizza last
- How long does leftover shrimp last
- How long does leftover steak last
If you’re curious about another type of meat, let us know. We always research on our own and then contact food safety experts for verification before publishing these posts.
Final Thoughts on Storing Spaghetti in the Fridge
Overall, spaghetti put in the fridge within two hours of cooking will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you would like your spaghetti to last longer, you should consider freezing it instead. This way, you can enjoy delicious spaghetti for up to 6 months following the reheating methods.
