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I sometimes cook more pasta than I intend to eat or use at once and store the rest in a container in the fridge (just plain, cooked pasta). How long would it store safely for?

Sam Holder
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Daniel Vandersluis
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6 Answers6

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http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17887 is as good advice as any I'd give.

In my experience, it gets some slimy mold stuff on it. If it feels slimy, its probably not good to eat, although the mold might taste delicious, you never know...

Adam Shiemke
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I don't keep plain cooked pasta or rice in the fridge for longer than 2 days. Both of these are starchy and pH neutral which makes a perfect environment for for mold / bacteria to grow.

Foodie Ron
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I've refrigerated pasta for 7 days or so before. I wouldn't keep it any longer. If it starts to grow fuzzies or smell off, don't eat it.

hobodave
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  • In this particular case, it doesn't seem to smell but there was lots of condensation in the container and the pasta looks a bit "glossy", if that matters. – Daniel Vandersluis Jul 19 '10 at 16:22
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    I wouldn't eat it then. If something looks like it might be bad, it's generally safer to leave it alone. I like to imagine that it's an instinctual response that causes us to question bad food. I trust it :) – hobodave Jul 19 '10 at 16:30
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    Thanks. I suppose I was just being lazy because in the time I spent writing this question I could have already cooked fresh pasta :) (though on the other hand, I'd rather not waste food that is edible, right?) – Daniel Vandersluis Jul 19 '10 at 16:32
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Store the pasta in the fridge in water. Water should just cover the pasta. It will keep for a good while. Better yet, when you drain and heat it in the microwave, it will taste good as new.

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I've stored it for over 2 weeks without water and all that crap others are telling you. As long as it doesn't have green mold on it, it is safe to eat. Otherwise only a really bad smell would be bad. Easily over 14 days if kept in a container with a lid. In fact I store my pasta sause in a container as well for just as long. People will have you throwing away good food just because they don't know or are uninformed. I've save a bunch of money doing it my way. Like meats for over 2 weeks and fruits and vegatables. If it ain't got green on it or smells bad then it's still good to eat.

Boygeorge
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    "If it ain't got green on it or smells bad then it's still good to eat." This is terrible advice, which can kill people. Food contaminated with botulism, for example, doesn't look mouldy and doesn't necessarily smell off. – David Richerby Apr 10 '17 at 11:24
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If you're concerned after several days of storage, re-boil it for a minute or two. This will take it back to it's original cooking date.

user25245
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