Can you freeze cooked pasta? The best ways to store leftover spaghetti and more

Can you freeze cooked pasta? It may seem like a funny question, but it is a legit one – we all cook too much pasta sometimes, so learning how store cooked pasta is the best way to prevent unnecessary food waste is a must. Fortunately, it's very easy (and safe) to do so, and applies to all types of pasta – spaghetti, fusilli, penne, you name it. For best results, you're better off storing your cooked pasta separately from the sauce. If you've already mixed the sauce in, don't worry – it's still fine to refrigerate or freeze it. 

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How to freeze cooked pasta

If you're not likely to come back to your leftover pasta for a few days, then freezing it is a great solution to waste. To store cooked pasta in the freezer, mix it with a tablespoonful of olive oil to prevent it sticking together when you defrost it. It will keep like this, in an airtight container, for up to two weeks. When you're ready to use your frozen pasta, there's no need to thaw it either. You can just drop it in a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes, or defrost it for three-five minutes (or until piping hot) in a saucepan with a sauce. 

How to store cooked pasta in the fridge

If you're planning on reusing your pasta within the next couple of days, simply transfer it to an airtight food container or silicone bag, and it will keep in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat the pasta, you can either drop it into a pan of boiling water for a minute, or mix in with your favourite sauce and heat in a sauce pan for two-three minutes.

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