Address
304 North Cardinal
St. Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM

Blog Recipes Guides Reviews

How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Last in the Fridge? – Best Spaghetti Storage Tips

"How long does leftover spaghetti last in the fridge?" Don't know how to store spaghetti so it lasts? Here are the best tips for keeping your leftover pasta fresh and delicious.
Share your love

“How long does leftover spaghetti last in the fridge?”

We’ve all been there. You cook a big spaghetti dinner, and inevitably there are leftovers.

You don’t want to eat the same thing for lunch and dinner for the next three days, but you’re not sure how long leftover spaghetti will last in the fridge.

Check out our spaghetti storage tips to learn how to store your leftovers so they stay fresh for as long as possible.


How long does leftover spaghetti last in the fridge?

Answer: Spaghetti will last in the fridge for 3–5 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze it. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. It will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.


Reference: How long should you keep leftovers in your fridge?


Tips on How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Properly

1. Store spaghetti in a cool, dry place.

There are a few reasons why you should store your leftover spaghetti in a cool, dry place. First, pasta can absorb moisture from the air, which can make it gummy.

Second, warm temperatures can encourage the growth of bacteria.

And finally, storing pasta in the fridge can cause it to lose its flavor. So next time you have leftover spaghetti, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place!

2. Store spaghetti in an airtight container.

When you store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container, you’re actually trapping the moisture inside. That trapped moisture will cause the pasta to spoil more quickly.

The best way to store leftover spaghetti is to place it in a Ziploc bag and expel all of the air before sealing. This will help keep the pasta fresh for up to four days.

3. Do not store spaghetti in a plastic bag.

There are a few reasons why you should never store leftover spaghetti in a plastic bag. First, pasta is best when it’s fresh, so storing it in a plastic bag for more than a day or two can cause it to become soggy and lose its flavor.

Second, if you store pasta in a plastic bag that’s not airtight, it can dry out and become hard.

Finally, if you store cooked pasta in a plastic bag with raw meat or vegetables, the bacteria from the raw food can cross-contaminate the cooked pasta and make you sick.

So next time you have leftover spaghetti, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.

4. Make sure the spaghetti is completely dry before storing.

If you store leftover spaghetti only after it is completely dry, the pasta will not go bad and will last longer.

When spaghetti is wet, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. By storing the pasta after it is completely dry, you’ll reduce the likelihood of bacteria growth and spoilage. Additionally, if you store the pasta in an airtight container, it will keep for up to two weeks.

Get our FREE Recipe Book

Get our FREE recipe book full of easy-to-follow recipes to help keep your meals delicious and healthy all year long!

5. Label the container with the contents and the date.

There are a few reasons why you might want to label your container of leftover spaghetti.

First, it can help you keep track of when the spaghetti was cooked so you know how long it’s been sitting in the fridge.

Second, if you have multiple containers of leftovers, labeling them can help you keep them organized and prevent you from accidentally eating something that’s past its prime.

Finally, labeling your food can help other people in your household know what’s inside the container and when it was made, which is especially helpful if everyone has different dietary restrictions.

6. Place in the fridge as soon as possible.

The fridge will help cool and preserve the spaghetti. It’s important to place it in the fridge as soon as possible because the food will start to spoil after a while.

This is especially true for spaghetti, which contains a lot of water. Once the water starts to evaporate, the food will become dry and less appetizing.

The fridge will help slow down this process by keeping the food moist and preventing it from coming into contact with oxygen, which would cause it to spoil even faster.

Make sure to package the spaghetti in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. This will help keep most of the moisture locked in and prevent any harmful bacteria from growing.

7. Enjoy within 3-4 days.

Spaghetti tastes best when it’s eaten fresh, within 3-4 days of being cooked. Storing it for longer than that can make it taste dry and chewy.

If you have leftover spaghetti, you can either store it in the fridge for a day or two, or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat frozen spaghetti, just put it in the microwave or oven and heat until it’s warm throughout.

How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Last in the Fridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat 2 week old spaghetti?

Yes, you can eat 2-week old spaghetti. Although the taste and texture might not be as good as fresh spaghetti, it is still safe to eat.

Spaghetti will last for two weeks in the fridge and four months in the freezer. If you decide to freeze your spaghetti, make sure to thaw it before cooking. Freezing changes the structure of the pasta, so it will not cook evenly if you try to cook it from frozen.

Is leftover spaghetti good after 5 days?

If you’re talking about leftover spaghetti that’s been sitting in the fridge, then it’s probably still good to eat after five days.

Of course, it all depends on how well you’ve stored it. If the spaghetti is starting to look dry or has developed an off odor, then it’s probably time to toss it out.

How long is spaghetti with meat sauce good in the refrigerator?

About 3-4 days.

Spaghetti with meat sauce is good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The sauce will help to keep the pasta from going bad, but it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.

If you have any leftovers, be sure to reheat them completely before eating.

Can you freeze leftover spaghetti with meat sauce?

Yes, you can freeze leftover spaghetti with meat sauce. Just place it in a freezer-safe container and it should keep for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

How long can you store cooked spaghetti sauce?

You can store cooked spaghetti sauce in the fridge for up to four days.

If you want to freeze cooked spaghetti sauce, you can do so for up to two months. Simply place the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for a few hours before warming it up on the stove.

How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Last in the Fridge

Final Thought

So, if you’re looking to store your spaghetti for a little while longer, be sure to do so in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy within 3-4 days. This will help keep it fresh and free of bacteria.

And with these tips in mind, you can enjoy your leftover spaghetti for days to come!


About 10 Minute Homemaking

10 Minute Homemaking has been one of the most reliable go-to resources for home goods, kitchen goods, and recipes. We’re proud to provide the best recommendations with our research, which takes up to 20 to 40 hours per article.

The research focuses heavily on live-testing different variants in the product category to recommend the best options for a variety of needs. For deeper research and to help guide the selection process, we spoke to industry experts and manufacturers for a better insight on the recommended products.

Get our FREE Recipe Book

Get our FREE recipe book full of easy-to-follow recipes to help keep your meals delicious and healthy all year long!

Share your love
Default image
Penny Laurier, RD

Penny is a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She specializes in weight loss, sports nutrition, diabetes management, and healthy cooking of all kinds.

Articles: 3