How to Store Pasta and Noodles

Pasta is very easy to store but the storage methods do change dependent on whether the pasta is fresh or dry. Noodles are stored exactly the same way as pasta, so the instructions apply to noodles equally.

Steps

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    Keep fresh pasta in the fridge. It will keep for 3–4 days. If you keep fresh pasta longer than this, it will stick together.
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    Keep packaged fridge or freezer pasta according to the package instructions. This will vary depending on the type of pasta and brand, so providing exactitude here is not possible.
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    Keep dried pasta in an airtight jar or a box once it has been opened. Prior to being opened, dried pasta can remain in its original packaging. Dried pasta keeps indefinitely provided it is stored properly.
    • Spaghetti or fettuccine can be kept in a traditional pasta canister.
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    Freeze pasta. Fresh pasta can be frozen but be aware that it may glue together when it thaws.

Tips

  • Quality pasta is made from durum (hard) wheat flour. The labels will say such things as "made from durum wheat", or in Italian, "pasta di semola di Grano Duro".
  • For soft noodles in vacuum packaging, follow the dates indicated on the packaging for storage method and time.

Things You'll Need

  • Fridge for fresh pasta
  • Pasta canister for spaghetti or fettuccine
  • Airtight container or box

Article Info

Categories: Food Preservation Techniques | Food Selection and Storage