Leftover cooked pasta tastes way better, and lasts for longer when kept in this one common kitchen location – and a professional chef tells you how to revive the flavours
We’ve all made the mistake when our eyes have been bigger than our stomachs – making us cook food for the equivalent of a whole basketball team. But don’t worry, that’s what leftovers are for, and by keeping it in this one place, your pasta dish will taste so much better. The best thing about pasta, besides its flavour, is the convenience.
It’s easy to make, and it’s so versatile that it can be enjoyed in many different ways, using various ingredients and spices. And if you don’t finish it, don’t worry, you can pop it in the refrigerator for next time’s use. Nonetheless, not all foods benefit from being stored in the fridge.
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According to Gizmodo’s article titled The Science of Leftovers: Why Don’t They Taste As Good, he claims that “something weird happens between the time you put your dinner in the fridge and the time you heat it up the next day.”
Gizmodo argued that food such as fridge chicken becomes a “soggy mess” and pasta turns into a “dense sludge”. However, that’s not always the case. In response to that article, Nadia Arumugam from Forbes had some things to say.
She said: “While there are a few foods that clearly don’t benefit from a night relaxing in the refrigerator, say a Caesar salad, or last night’s sushi, there are so many more foods that do improve over time.”
How long does cooked pasta last in the fridge?
According to Better Homes & Gardens, cooked pasta can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. To maximise its longevity, it’s crucial to store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing exterior smells from other foods.
Still, before consuming, it’s recommended to conduct a smell test to check for any weird odours or signs of spoilage. If unsure, it’s best to throw it.
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How to reheat cooked pasta?
One of the main issues with cooked pasta is that it becomes dry once stored in the fridge. However, there’s a way to make it just as fresh.
The Washington Post shared that adding a little bit of liquid before storing can help prevent it from drying out. To reheat cooked pasta, use a microwave or an oven.
Using boiling water, plain pasta can be put back in the pan. Alternatively, pasta with sauce can be reheated in the microwave, whereas baked pasta reheats best in the oven.