How to Store Pasta So You Don’t Get Bugs

Make sure your pasta is always fresh for weeknight meals.

Pasta It is possible to pantry stapleIt is the base of many of our favorite recipes. weeknight dinner recipes. It doesn’t matter if you add vegetables to it. Roasted Broccoli Pesto Variation or sticking to a classic combination such as Carbonara, you’ll reliably be left with a crowd-pleasing main course. It’s a good idea to keep some pasta lying around; whenever you’re in a pinch, you’ll have a strong place to start. That said, it’s important to store pasta properly to extend its shelf life and avoid those pesky, grain-feeding bugs. Continue reading to find our top tips for how to store pasta.

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Dry Pasta Storage

Dry pasta will be protected from bugs by being sealed tightly. Once you’ve opened the original box or container of pasta, it’s important to transfer any leftover dry pasta to a fresh, airtight storage container. Place airtight pasta containers in cool, dark, dry places like a closet. Dry pasta will last for years if stored in this way.

How to store fresh pasta

Fresh pasta hasn’t been dehydrated, so it doesn’t last as long as dry pasta does. It’s best to eat fresh pasta the day it’s made, but if kept in the refrigerator, it’ll stay good for another day. You can also freeze fresh pasta. Fresh pasta doughIt can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, and placed in a freezer safe plastic bag. You can just thaw it in the refrigerator It should be left overnight before you roll it out.

You can also freeze fresh pasta noodles; just make sure to take the necessary steps so they don’t stick together. Toss them in. flourLay them in one layer. baking sheet. Allow the noodles to air dry for approximately an hour before storing them in a freezer-safe bag.

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How to store cooked pasta

Prepared pasta can be stored if possible sauce separately—both in airtight containers in the fridge. Place the pasta in a strainer and heat in boiling water for 30 seconds or until it is warm. Before adding the sauce to the pasta, heat the sauce in a separate pan. 

Sauced pasta can be cooked in a dish that is shallow, foil-covered and oven-proof. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until hot.

Can You Freeze Pasta?

If you’re running out of space in your pantry, you can absolutely freeze dry pasta, but the purpose shouldn’t be to extend its shelf life. When pasta is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place, it lasts for a long time—no need for freezing.

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On the other hand, we recommend freezing fresh pasta if you don’t plan on eating it within a day or two. For best results, refer to the advice above on how to freeze fresh pasta.

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