How to Store Pasta Sauce

Q: How do I store pasta sauce?

First, place the pasta sauce in a sterilised glass bottles. If you don’t have extra glass bottles, you can use any other container as long as it’s airtight - any sealable Tupperware would work just fine. Once you’ve sealed away your sauce, all you have to do is pop it in the fridge. Sauces stored in this manner can be kept in the fridge for four to five days.

Q: Are some pasta sauces better than others for storing?

Tomato-based sauces used for dishes like spaghetti alla puttanesca, remain fresher for longer. This is due to the acidity of the tomatoes acting as a natural preservative. In comparison, dairy-based delights, such as a decadent carbonara, are best enjoyed straight away.

by Admin Pasta Evangelists / 19 November, 2019 / Pasta School

Perhaps you’ve made an extra batch of our famous red pesto to enjoy with some freshly-rolled trofie. Or maybe you have some indulgent lamb shoulder and red wine ragù leftover from last night. Either way, you’ll want to store them to eat at a later date. Fortunately, we’ve put together some helpful storage tips, so you can ensure none of your precious sauce goes to waste.

How long does pasta sauce last in the fridge?

To answer this, you should first check your pasta sauce for any preservatives. Fresh pasta sauces like ours (using locally-sourced ingredients from il Bel Paese and which are of course free of preservatives) naturally don’t last as long as mass-produced, shelf-stable grocery store pasta sauces. However, there are ways to prolong the life of your priceless fresh pasta sauce. Provided they’re stored correctly, nonna-quality pasta sauces should last in the fridge for up to five days.

Pasta sauce storing tips

How do I store pasta sauce?

In Italy, the tomato harvest marks the end of summer. In rural areas, especially in the south of the country, families spend a couple of days making passata from their abundant pomodori and then store it in reused glass bottles that have been sterilised. You may do the same! If you don’t have extra glass bottles, you can use any other container as long as it’s airtight - any sealable Tupperware would work just fine. Once you’ve sealed away your sauce, all you have to do is pop it in the fridge. Sauces stored in this manner can be kept in the fridge for four to five days.

At Pasta Evangelists, our fresh sauces are made using the finest fresh produce. They are vacuum-sealed and delivered using chilled and insulated boxes, so our sauces remain fresh and full of authentic Italian flavours. Just a note, we personally recommend any sauces we deliver are consumed within one to two days unless frozen. This ensures you can enjoy the fresh flavours at their finest.

So, can I freeze pasta sauce?

You can freeze pasta sauce. Simply put your sauce into a freezer bag or container and it will keep its authentic flavour for up to six months. When you want to use it again, just bring it out of the freezer and allow it to defrost at room temperature for a few hours. Once fully defrosted, simply add to the fresh, cooked pasta of your choice.

As we mentioned before, all of our fresh pasta and sauces can be frozen in their original packaging. If you can wait before you treat yourself to one of our pasta dishes, we commend your willpower! Whether you defrost it a week or a month after your order arrives, all it takes one mouthful to be transported to the bustling viali of Bologna or the country cuisine of Tuscany.

Are some pasta sauces better than others for storing?

Generally speaking, tomato-based sauces used for dishes like spaghetti alla puttanesca, remain fresher for longer. This is due to the acidity of the tomatoes acting as a natural preservative. In comparison, dairy-based delights, such as a decadent carbonara, are best enjoyed straight away. While it’s possible to store them in the fridge for a few days, their texture and flavour will gradually change. Therefore, if you are planning on making a large batch of sauce, choose one that stores well so that you can enjoy it for longer.

How do I know my sauce has gone bad?

Cavolo! You’ve managed to avoid succumbing to the temptation of handmade pasta draped in an exquisite sauce? It’s best to check first before mixing with your pasta.

Most sauces without preservatives will lose the intensity of the colours given by fresh ingredients and may omit a tangy odour (not dissimilar to the forgotten jar at the back of your fridge). If you are in desperate need of a quick pasta fix, remember that a nice butter sauce pairs well with nearly all kinds of pasta. Head to your fridge, melt some butter and infuse with your favourite herb or simply crack some fresh pepper on top. Now enjoy your rescued meal!

At Pasta Evangelists, we bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, our gourmet pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals, delivered to your door, and ready in under five minutes. Order from our weekly menu today, and we’ll offer you 25% off your first delivery - simply enter the code BLOG25 at checkout.