Pasta preservation
I have some extra pasta, cooked.
I have no extra sauce to put the pasta in.
What's the best way to preserve it so it lasts for a day or hopefully two without getting dry or rotten?
Best Answer
Toss in oil and do not salt. This should help keep the pasta from drying out. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it. Before use, quickly reheat the pasta in boiling water or in a hot pan, which will give the starch a fresher, "just cooked" texture (this is the same reason that you toast old bread)
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How is pasta preserved?
There are two main packaging systems for dried pasta: cellophane bags which are moisture-proof, easy to use in automatic machines, but difficult to stack, and boxes which are easy to stack and print advertising, and protect the fragile pastas.How do you preserve pasta for long term storage?
We learned:How do you preserve raw pasta?
To refrigerate fresh pasta, place the portions in airtight plastic bags. You can also use a Tupperware container, but make sure the seal or lid is placed on firmly.How long can you preserve pasta?
Fresh, store-bought pasta can be stored in the fridge for two to three days. This is because it's already been semi-cooked for a longer shelf-life. Homemade pasta, however, can only be stored for around 24 hours in the fridge (although we'd recommend eating it within 18 hours).More answers regarding pasta preservation
Answer 2
Besides Kevin's recommendation, if it's a smaller pasta (not long strands or sheets), you can turn it into a pasta salad; there are plenty of recipes online, and it's often better if it's had a day or two to sit for the flavors to meld.
Answer 3
You can also freeze individual portions in sandwich bags, then heat back up in boiling water. A lot of resturants (of the lower end) do this with their spaghetti. Since it doesn't require any additions it won't change your flavor profile. Stays good for about 2 weeks, after that you will start to notice texture change.
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