How Long Does Spaghetti Last in the Fridge?

Today’s question on the table is one that I’ve wrestled with myself on those busy weeknights: “How long does spaghetti last in the fridge?”

Whether you’ve made a big batch of spaghetti bolognese or enjoyed a simple aglio e olio, figuring out what to do with leftovers is key. No one likes food waste, but no one likes food poisoning either, right? So, let’s unravel this noodly conundrum together!

Shelf Life of Spaghetti in the Fridge

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines state that cooked pasta, if stored properly, can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. This includes your beloved spaghetti, with or without sauce. But let’s break it down a bit more, shall we?

Plain Spaghetti

If you’ve got plain, cooked spaghetti (no sauce, no meat, just pasta), it’s actually pretty simple. Make sure you store it in an airtight container after it’s cooled down a bit (but don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as per the FDA’s recommendation). Pop it in the fridge, and you should be able to revisit those carbs for up to 5 days.

Spaghetti with Sauce

Here’s where it gets a tad more complex. If your spaghetti is already mixed with sauce, the type of sauce matters. Meat sauces, dairy-based sauces, and seafood sauces can be a bit more finicky, as these ingredients are more prone to spoiling. These should also be consumed within the 3-5 day window, and I’d err on the side of caution and aim for 3 days, especially with seafood.

Tomato-based sauces without meat can last a bit longer due to the acidity of tomatoes, but let’s stick to the 5-day rule to be safe.

Freezing as an Option

If you’ve cooked enough spaghetti to feed an army and can’t possibly finish it in a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. Store your cooked spaghetti in freezer-safe bags or containers. Plain pasta can be frozen for up to 8 months, while pasta with sauce is best used within 2 months.

How to Tell if Spaghetti Has Gone Bad

Trust your senses when it comes to sniffing out spoiled spaghetti. Here’s what to look out for:

• Smell: If your pasta smells off, sour, or just not like pasta anymore, trust your nose and toss it.
• Color: Any signs of discoloration or mold (which could show up as fuzzy spots or areas that are a different color than the rest) mean that spaghetti needs to go.
• Texture: If the pasta feels slimy or sticky, it’s a no-go. Properly stored pasta should retain its texture.

Reheating Spaghetti Safely

When you’re ready to reheat, make sure you’re doing so safely. The USDA recommends heating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that any potential bacteria are killed. Use a food thermometer to check, and stir your pasta while reheating to make sure it’s evenly warmed up.

Key Takeaways

• Storage Duration: Cooked spaghetti should be stored in the fridge for no more than 3 to 5 days.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your spaghetti fresh and safe.
• Freezing Is Your Friend: Extend the shelf life of your spaghetti by freezing it.
• Trust Your Senses: Smell, color, and texture are good indicators of whether your pasta has gone bad.
• Reheat Safely: Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.