All About Spaghetti
Your complete guide to spaghetti - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Spaghetti Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for spaghetti 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.
fresh spaghetti (uncooked, fridge)3-5 days (store-bought), 1-2 days (homemade)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, white, black spots), sour or yeasty smell, sticky or slimy texture, discoloration (darker spots, grayish hue).
How to Check
Visually inspect for any fuzzy growth or unusual discoloration. Smell the pasta for any pungent, sour, or off-odors. Touch the pasta – it should feel smooth or slightly tacky, not overly sticky or slimy.
Storage Tips
Store fresh spaghetti in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors. Do not wash before storing. Use or freeze within the recommended duration.
fresh spaghetti (uncooked, freezer)2-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong off-smell after thawing, significant texture change (e.g., crumbly or mushy) after cooking.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. After thawing, smell for any rancid or off-odors. The texture should still be workable when thawed, though it might be slightly more brittle.
Storage Tips
For best results, dust fresh spaghetti lightly with flour and form into nests before freezing to prevent sticking. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents clumping and freezer burn.
cooked spaghetti (fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or excessively sticky texture, sour, musty, or unpleasant smell, visible mold (often white or green spots), discoloration (darker, grayish spots).
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or discoloration. Smell for any foul, sour, or off-odors. Touch the pasta – sliminess is a primary indicator of spoilage for cooked pasta. If it feels slimy, discard it.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked spaghetti quickly (within 1-2 hours) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. Store in an airtight container. For best quality, you can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, but ensure it's not excessive as oil can go rancid over time.
cooked spaghetti (freezer)1-2 months
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, tough spots), significant change in texture (becomes mushy or overly brittle) after reheating, off-smell (after thawing and reheating).
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. After thawing and reheating, smell for any off-odors and check the texture – it should still be palatable, though slightly softer than freshly cooked.
Storage Tips
For best results, slightly undercook the spaghetti ('al dente') before freezing, as it will soften upon reheating. Freeze in individual portions to allow for easy thawing and reheating. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
dry spaghetti (unopened pantry)2-3 years past 'best by' date, or indefinitely if kept dry and pest-free
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of pests (weevils, pantry moths), severe moisture damage leading to mold (very rare in unopened packages), strong off-smell (rancid or chemical-like, extremely rare).
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any small holes, tears, or signs of pest activity (e.g., tiny insects, larvae, webbing). Check for any clumping or discoloration if moisture ingress is suspected. Smell the package for any unusual odors.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Ensure the pantry is free of common pantry pests.
dry spaghetti (opened pantry)1-2 years
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of pests (weevils, pantry moths, their larvae or webbing), moisture absorption leading to softening, clumping, or a musty smell, discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the spaghetti for any moving insects, tiny holes, or webbing. Feel the pasta for dampness or clumping. Smell for any musty, sour, or off-odors that weren't present when first opened.
Storage Tips
Transfer opened dry spaghetti to an airtight container (glass, sturdy plastic) immediately after opening. This protects it from moisture, odors from other foods, and pantry pests. Store in a cool, dry pantry.