Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Cajun Chicken Pasta expire?
Once prepared, Cajun Chicken Pasta will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. If it's unopened from a meal-kit or packaged grocery store product, it will usually stay fresh for about a week beyond the 'sell-by' date on the packaging. If you choose, you can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months.
How do you tell if Cajun Chicken Pasta is bad?
If you're unsure whether your Cajun Chicken Pasta is still good, first check for any visible mold or discoloration. A common sign is if the sauce tastes sour or seems 'off.' If it has a bad odor this is another good indication that it's gone bad. Also, if it’s been in the fridge for more than 5 days, it's best to throw it out to be safe.
Tips for storing Cajun Chicken Pasta to extend shelf life
• Always store the pasta in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
• If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into meal-sized quantities before freezing. This makes it easier to defrost only what you need.
• If you're defrosting the pasta, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw it on the kitchen counter as this can lead to bacterial growth.
• Reheat the defrosted pasta on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot to ensure any potential bacteria are killed.
• Keeping your fridge at the correct temperature (below 40°F) also helps to keep the pasta fresh.