All About Linguine
Your complete guide to linguine - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Linguine Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for linguine in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Dry Linguine (Opened Pantry)1-2 years if stored properly
Signs of Spoilage
Same as unopened: pantry pests, moisture, visible mold, musty or off-smell, clumping.
How to Check
Visually inspect the pasta for any signs of insects, mold, or discoloration. Feel for any dampness or stickiness. Smell for any musty or sour odors.
Storage Tips
Transfer opened dry pasta to an airtight container (glass, plastic, or a sealed bag) to protect it from moisture, pests, and absorbing odors. Store in a cool, dry, dark pantry.
Cooked Linguine (Freezer)2-3 months for best quality; safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large dry, discolored patches), significant change in texture after thawing (mushy or brittle), off-flavors (though less common for pasta itself).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. While safe, heavily freezer-burned pasta will have a degraded texture and flavor. After thawing, check for any unusual smells or textures. If it's overly mushy or crumbly, the quality has likely diminished too much.
Storage Tips
Freeze cooked pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet first (if possible) to prevent clumping, then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers. This helps maintain texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Fresh Linguine (Unopened Refrigerator)1-2 weeks, or by 'use-by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Discoloration (greyish, greenish, or dark spots), sour or yeasty smell, sticky or slimy texture, visible mold.
How to Check
Strictly adhere to the 'use-by' date. Visually inspect the pasta through the packaging for any color changes or mold. Open the package and smell for any sour, pungent, or off-odors. Fresh pasta should have a mild, eggy, or neutral smell.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not freeze if the package explicitly states not to, as it may affect texture. Cook promptly once opened.
Fresh Linguine (Opened Refrigerator)2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid discoloration, strong sour or yeasty smell, significant stickiness or sliminess, visible mold.
How to Check
Be very vigilant. Visually check for any changes in color or mold growth. A quick sniff test is crucial – any sour or unpleasant odor means it's gone bad. Touch test for excessive stickiness or sliminess.
Storage Tips
Once opened, fresh pasta's shelf life dramatically shortens. It's best to cook all of it immediately after opening. If you must store it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and use within 2-3 days.
Dry Linguine (Unopened Pantry)2-3 years past printed 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of pantry pests (weevils, moths), moisture inside the package, visible mold, strong off-odor (musty or chemical).
How to Check
Visually inspect the package for any tears, holes, or signs of insect activity. Check for any clumps or discoloration in the pasta itself. A quick sniff test can reveal mustiness or other unpleasant odors if moisture has entered.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep away from strong-smelling foods as pasta can absorb odors.
Cooked Linguine (Refrigerator)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture, sour or off-putting odor, visible mold (white, green, or black spots), discoloration (greyish or unusually dark spots).
How to Check
First, visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Then, give it a sniff – any sour, yeasty, or unpleasant smell is a clear indicator. Finally, feel the pasta; if it's slimy or overly sticky beyond normal cooked pasta texture, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked pasta quickly (within 2 hours) and store in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. Adding a tiny bit of olive oil before refrigerating can help prevent sticking, but ensure it's not excessive as it can go rancid.