How Long Does Opened Pasta Sauce Last in the Fridge?

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Know how long your spaghetti sauce lasts after opening

Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Jarred Sauce Fridge Life
|
• Homemade Sauce
|
• Signs of Spoilage
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• Storing Sauce
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• Freezing Sauce

|Show more |Show less

So, you’re in the mood for a saucy bowl of spaghetti. But when you’re digging through the back of your fridge for the spaghetti sauce, you think to yourself, “Is this still good?” Keep reading to learn about the fridge life of spaghetti sauce, the signs that your sauce has gone bad, and how to store it properly.

How long does pasta sauce last in the refrigerator?

Opened jarred pasta sauce can last 5 to 7 days when properly stored in the refrigerator, while homemade pasta sauce can last 3 to 4 days. To keep the sauce fresh, make sure to store it in the refrigerator in a separate airtight container.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

How long does opened pasta sauce last?

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1. An opened jar of pasta sauce lasts 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Once you open a jar of pasta sauce, it’s best to use it as fast as possible. Spaghetti sauce or tomato-based sauces are acidic and tend to spoil quickly once opened, so experts recommend using them within 5 to 7 days (unless there are signs of spoilage).

   • For the best results, store opened spaghetti sauce in a covered glass or plastic container, not its metal can.
   • Cream-based sauces (like Alfredo) typically last 3 to 5 days, while oil-based sauces (like pesto) can last 7 to 10 days.
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Section 2 of 5:

How long does homemade pasta sauce last?

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1. Homemade pasta sauce can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Homemade spaghetti sauce doesn’t have the same preservatives as store-bought jar sauce, so it has a faster expiration date. Even when stored properly in the refrigerator, it’s best to use the tomato-based sauce within 3 to 4 days (unless there are signs of spoilage).

   • As a general rule, cream-based sauces (like Alfredo) have a shorter lifespan because they’re made with dairy products. So, aim to only keep homemade cream-based sauces for 2 to 3 days.
   • Oil-based sauces (like pesto) have a longer lifespan. Aim to use these within 4 days.

Section 3 of 5:

How do you know if your sauce is bad?

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1. Your pasta sauce is bad if it’s moldy, smells bad, or tastes different. Even if your pasta sauce has been stored in the refrigerator for under the recommended amount of time, it’s still best to check for signs of spoilage before eating it. If your sauce shows any spoilage signs, it’s best to throw it out. Here’s what to look out for:

   • Visible mold. If there’s white or black fuzz or discoloration on the sauce, it’s likely gone bad.
   • Foul smell. Professional chef JoAnna Minneci says that if your pasta sauce “smells sour or rotten, it’s best not to eat it.”
   • Off taste. If the sauce tastes different from the last time you had it, it could have gone bad.
   • Eating spoiled pasta sauce can cause food poisoning, so always use caution.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Store Pasta Sauce

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1. 1
   Store opened pasta sauce in a sealable container in the fridge. To keep your spaghetti sauce as fresh as possible, make sure to store the leftovers in a resealable glass or plastic container. Then, store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 7 days.

   • Always reheat leftover pasta sauce to at least 165°F (73.9°C) to kill any lingering bacteria.
2. 2
   Store unopened pasta sauce at room temperature for up to 12 months. Unopened jarred pasta sauce can last 18 months past its purchase date when stored at room temperature. But once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 5 to 7 days.

   • Store unopened pasta sauce at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard to keep it as fresh as possible.
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Section 5 of 5:

How to Freeze Pasta Sauce

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1. 
   Freeze pasta sauce in an airtight bag or container for up to 6 months. If you don’t think you’ll use your pasta sauce within the recommended time frame, freeze it! Place the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. Then, put it in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you want to use it, place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight to defrost, and then reheat it when it’s time to eat.

   • Personal chef Jennifer Levasseur recommends “writing the date on the sauce’s container or freezer bag” so you don’t forget when you put it in the freezer.
   • To speed up the defrost process, place the frozen sauce in a large bowl and run cold water over the container until it thaws.

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