Why Freeze Pasta?
Cooking pasta is easy, but let’s be real, it takes time and leaves us with extra dishes to tackle. So here’s the ultimate hack: cook up a big batch, enjoy a portion right away, and then freeze the rest for later! That way, you’ve got a stash of goodness waiting in the freezer, ready to save the day when you’re too busy or too tired to cook. No more fuss, no more waste – just grab that frozen pasta, give it a quick reheat, and enjoy an easy kid-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug from your past self :).
The Best Pasta Types to Freeze
While you can essentially freeze all types of pasta, certain types freeze better than others. These include:
Short pasta- such as penne, rigatoni, fusili, and shells. These sturdy shapes tend to hold up their structure after freezing and thawing. Stuffed pasta – such as ravioli and tortellini. They retain their shape and texture when frozen and can be cooked directly from the frozen state. Lasagna sheets – you can freeze them as individual sheets or assemble the lasagna and freeze it as a whole Egg noodles – perfect for adding to soups, stews, and casseroles.
How to Freeze Cooked Pasta
Follow these simple steps to ensure that your cooked pasta is perfectly frozen, ready to be enjoyed whenever you desire a quick and delicious meal.
How long to freeze
Frozen cooked pasta can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality. While it can be safe to eat beyond that time, the texture and taste may deteriorate over longer periods.
How to Reheat Frozen Pasta
For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. But if you forget or need it right away, you can add to a pot of boiling water. Cook for a few minutes until the pasta is heated through and reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook! To microwave, be sure to lay them flat in a microwave-safe container so it will heat evenly. Cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until the pasta is thoroughly heated.
How to Freeze Pasta Dishes
Freezer-Friendly Pasta Sauces
Now that you have frozen cooked plain pasta to enjoy at any time, here are some easy and delicious sauces to enjoy it with! Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!