How long should pasta cool down?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on May 02, 2026
20-30 minutes will be fine.
How long should you let pasta cool before refrigerating?
The best way to store pastaOnce you have cooked pasta, let any leftovers cool thoroughly and then store it in the fridge within 2 hours of being cooked. Moisture trapped when warm pasta is sealed up and placed in the fridge can create the perfect environment for bacteria or mold to grow ( 2 , 3 ).