Can You Freeze Spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze spaghetti with or without sauce and meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply portion your spaghetti, place it in a freezer bag, squeeze out air, label it with a date and freeze it.

How to Freeze Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a delicious, easy and hearty meal that is easy to make in bulk. It's also relatively inexpensive.

I love to meal prep spaghetti and then freeze a bunch for several months. It's nice to have ready to go so that you can just pull it out and heat it up for dinner anytime.

It's also easy to get carried away when you're making spaghetti and make the entire box only to realize you won't be able to eat it in the 3 to 5 days before it goes bad in the fridge.

Luckily, spaghetti freezes super well and is similar to freezing other dishes such as freezing risotto, freezing coleslaw and freezing pulled pork. It's easy to defrost and tastes almost the same once thawed. You can freeze it plain or with sauce and meatballs already mixed in.

Plain cooked spaghetti

If you want to make a whole box of spaghetti, but don't want to mix your sauce in with it yet you can freeze your plain cooked spaghetti.

• Prepare it. Go ahead and boil your noodles. You will be reheating them once thawed, so make sure not to overcook them or they may become mushy.
• Portion them. Once your noodles have completely and thoroughly cooled, portion them into the sizes that you ultimately be using once you thaw them.
• Package them. Transfer your noodles into a freezer bag or an airtight container. Try to be sure that if using an airtight container there's only an inch or two of space between the noodles and the lid to decrease the amount of air in the container.
• Seal and label them. Go ahead and place the lid on your container or zip your freezer bag shut. If you're using a freezer bag, be sure to press all the air out of it before zipping it shut. Also, make sure to take a marker or pen and write the date on the container or bag.
• Freeze them. Toss your container or a bag into your freezer.

Cooked spaghetti with sauce and/or meatballs

If you want your meal fully ready to go, you can mix your cooked spaghetti with sauce and or meatballs before freezing. The process is pretty much the same as for plain cooked spaghetti.

• Prepare it. Go ahead and cook your noodles, making sure they are not overcooked so they do not become mushy when reheated. Mix in your favorite sauce and meatballs if desired.

• Portion it. Decide how much you'll be needing when thawing and portion your spaghetti into those sizes. If you have large meatballs, you may want to cut them to make them slightly smaller which will make it easier to defrost them.
• Package it. Go ahead and transfer your portions into either an airtight container or freezer bag. Do note that the sauce can stain a container, so freezer bags maybe more appropriate.

• Seal it and label it. Place a lid on your container or zip your bag shut. If you're using a freezer bag, you want to make sure to press out any excess air before zipping it. Then, write the date on the container or bag.
• Freeze it. Go ahead and place your container or bag into the freezer.

Successful freezing tips

Whether you're freezing plain cooked spaghetti or spaghetti with sauce and meatballs, make sure to follow these tips to have the most successful freezing.

• Cool it. Make sure that your spaghetti is completely cool when you start the process. Otherwise condensation can build up in your packaging.
• Know your portions. Determine what size portions you'll need when you thaw the spaghetti and freeze it in those sizes. That way you can just defrost the amount you need each time.
• Make it fresh. Freeze it right away after cooking, don't let it sit in the refrigerator for a few days. If you freeze it at maximum freshness it will have the best taste and quality when it's thawed.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Wrap
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container

How to Defrost Spaghetti

In order to defrost your spaghetti you have a few options to choose from. Which one you choose will depend on how much time you have and if you mind some slight texture changes.

In the fridge

Defrosting in the fridge will help keep the best texture and taste once fully thawed. However, it does take the longest time.

To use this method, simply remove your spaghetti from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. Once it has completely thawed, you can reheat it in any method you choose such as in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.

In the microwave

If you're crunched for time, you can defrost your spaghetti in the microwave. This method is the fastest, but it can create some slight texture decreases if you're not careful.

To use this method, simply remove your spaghetti from the freezer. Transfer it to a microwave safe container.

Then, place it in your microwave and set your microwave to the defrost setting. Check in every 1 to 2 minutes until it is thoroughly thawed. This takes usually 5 minutes or so.

On the stove top

defrosting on the stove top is faster than in the fridge, but slower than in the microwave. However, it gives you more control over how much heat and for how long you're applying the heat then the microwave does and therefore allows the texture to stay better overall.

To use this method, simply remove your package from the freezer. Open it and pour it into a pot.

Then, set your heat to medium and begin to heat your noodles and or sauce. Make sure to stir frequently so that it doesn't stick together or to the bottom of the pot. This typically will take 8 to 10 minutes depending on how much you have frozen.

Freezing Spaghetti FAQ

Can you freeze spaghetti with sauce on it?

Yes, you can easily freeze spaghetti with sauce on it for upwards of 3 months.

Does cooked spaghetti freeze well?

Yes, cooked spaghetti freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. The key is to not overcook it before freezing it since you will have to reheat it upon thawing.

Can you freeze cooked spaghetti with meat sauce on it?

Yes, you can freeze cooked spaghetti with meat sauce on it for 3 months or more. Simply portion it, put it in freezer bags, label it and freeze it.

How long does spaghetti stay good frozen?

Spaghetti can stay good frozen for three or more months. After 3 months the quality taste and texture can begin to slowly degrade. However, it remains safe to eat indefinitely as long as it is kept frozen solid.