How Long Does Opened Pasta Sauce Last in the Fridge?

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Private Chef Jeff Woodward explains how long spaghetti sauce lasts after opening & how to store it

Co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Jarred Sauce Fridge Life
|
• Homemade Sauce
|
• Signs of Spoilage
|
• Storing Sauce
|
• 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, with expert tips from professional chefs.

How long does pasta sauce last in the refrigerator?

Private Chef Jeff Woodward says an opened jar of pasta sauce lasts around 7 days, and homemade pasta sauce also typically keeps well for 7 days. Just make sure the sauce is properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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, as tomato-based sauces are acidic and tend to spoil quickly once opened. Chef Woodward agrees and says an opened jar of spaghetti sauce usually lasts about 1 week.

   • 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.
   • Of course, if the sauce is showing signs of spoilage, throw it out earlier.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Jeff Woodward is a private chef and owner of The Rogue Chef with over 20 years of experience.

   JoAnna Minneci is a retired professional chef with 18 years of experience.

   Jennifer Levasseur is a personal chef and owner of The Happy Cuisiniere with 12 years of experience.
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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 up to 7 days in the fridge. According to Chef Woodward, homemade spaghetti sauce can last around 1 week in the fridge, just as long as you keep it in a sealed jar or container. Because homemade sauces don’t have the same preservatives as store-bought jar sauces, though, you may want to use them within 3 to 4 days for the freshest taste (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, Chef Woodward advises storing the leftovers in a resealable glass or plastic jar or container. Then, store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 7 days.

   • If you’re putting away store-bought sauce, Chef Woodward recommends keeping it in the sealed container it came in.
   • 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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