Best Pastas to FreezeStuffed pastas like ravioli and baked pastas like
The Best Pasta Types to Freeze
Though practically any kind of pasta can be frozen, some freeze more effectively than others. These include:
- Short pasta- such as penne, rigatoni, fusili, and shells. These robust forms typically maintain their structural integrity even after freezing and thawing.
- Stuffed pasta – such as ravioli and tortellini. When frozen, they keep their texture and shape and can be cooked straight out of the freezer.
- Lasagna sheets: you can freeze them separately or put the lasagna together and freeze it all at once.
- Perfect for adding to soups, stews, and casseroles are egg noodles.
How to Freeze Cooked Pasta
To guarantee that your cooked pasta is perfectly frozen and ready to be enjoyed whenever you want a quick and delicious meal, follow these easy steps.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, or just slightly bite-sized. If the pasta is overcooked, it may become mushy when frozen.
- Drain and chill: Using a colander, thoroughly drain the cooked pasta. To quickly cool it down and halt the cooking process, give it a quick rinse under cold water. To keep the pasta from sticking, toss it in a small amount of olive oil. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely!.
- Portion the pasta: Depending on your needs, split the cooked pasta into portions that are suitable for an individual or a family. Think about how much you would normally use for a specific recipe or in a single serving.
- Freeze: You have two choices here. First, use freezer-safe bags to store individual servings of pasta in separate, resealable freezer bags. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as you can from the bags before sealing them. To save freezer space, I advise laying them flat so you can stack them. Transfer the pasta portions into airtight containers that are safe for the freezer, making sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Baking sheets: Place the cooked pasta in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer until the pasta is frozen. After the pasta has frozen, place it in freezer bags or other freezer-safe containers.
- Date and labeling the pasta will help you monitor its freshness.
