If you plan to save more uncooked pasta for later use, you might be wondering if you can freeze it.
Can you freeze uncooked pasta?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked pasta! It’s actually a great idea. You can save money by buying in bulk from warehouse stores or simply not eating so much pasta if you only have to use a little bit for each meal.
This post will discuss how to freeze pasta, thawing it, and cooking it.
How to freeze uncooked pasta?
To freeze pasta, simply place uncooked pasta in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
You can freeze it flat or rolled up.
If freezing for longer than 2-3 months, use the freezer bags designed to keep out oxygen.
These bags will extend the life of the pasta by up to a year.
What are the things to remember when freezing uncooked pasta?
Freezing and thawing pasta is very easy, but there are a couple of things you really should remember:
Reminder #1:
The less air in the bag, the longer it’ll last. If you don’t have any good storage bags that keep oxygen out (or just want to save some money), put the frozen pasta on a cookie sheet to freeze (you can crack some ice off if desired).
When frozen, put into a freezer bag with all excess air removed.
This will ensure that as much air as possible is taken out of the package and in turn prolongs its shelf life.
Reminder #2:
Take your pasta out of the freezer at least 24 hours before cooking so that it has plenty of time for thawing without being partially frozen before you use it.
How long can you freeze uncooked pasta?
Uncooked frozen pasta will stay good for one year or longer.
However, its quality will eventually begin to decline so you should use the pasta within six months or sooner if possible.
How to thaw frozen pasta?
To thaw frozen uncooked pasta, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight (or at room temp for a few hours).
I’d recommend leaving it in the bag until you’re ready to cook it.
How long does frozen pasta stay good?
Frozen uncooked pasta will stay safe indefinitely in the freezer.
The quality of frozen pasta is also indefinite but will slowly deteriorate over time.
If your pasta tastes off, you should discard it and start fresh with a new batch (or use it for cooking).
How to cook frozen pasta?
Frozen uncooked pasta can be cooked by following these directions:
- Bring at least 5 quarts of water and 1/2 tablespoon of salt to a boil.
- Add the pasta (frozen) and stir.
- Boil uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente.
- Drain well.
That’s it. You have cooked your pasta!
Can you cook frozen pasta in the microwave?
Yes, you can bring frozen pasta water to a boil in the microwave by placing it into an airtight container and adding a little water to it.
Cover with plastic wrap or glass and leave room for the steam to release.
Heat on high power for 3 minutes (for 1 cup). When the pasta’s water is boiling, lift up the edge of the plastic wrap and carefully remove it from the microwave.
How long does cooked pasta stay good in the refrigerator?
Cooked frozen pasta will stay good for 3-4 days in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator.
To prevent freezer burn, place a piece of wax paper over the pasta.
How long does cooked pasta stay good in the freezer?
Cooked frozen pasta will stay good indefinitely in the freezer but will slowly deteriorate in quality.
When it begins to taste off, you can discard the remainder of the pasta.
Can you cook frozen and then thawed pasta?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to cook pasta that has been previously frozen.
Here are the steps that will help you do that:
- Heat a large pot of salted water (8 cups) on high for 5-7 minutes until the water boils.
- Add 1 cup of dry pasta and boil uncovered for 10-13 minutes or until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Drain well and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
Freezing uncooked pasta is possible. Pasta will last for up to a year in the freezer, provided you remove as much air from the bag as possible and place an oxygen absorber inside.
As long as you don’t have food poisoning, it’s safe to cook pasta that has been previously frozen.
Uncooked pasta can be stored in the pantry for up to a year.
However, if you plan on storing it for more than a few months, I recommend freezing it instead.
If you’re looking for more tips on freezing foods, check out my other articles here.
