Pasta or Noodles for Meal Prep: Which One Holds Up Better Over Time?

Meal prepping is such a lifesaver, right? You spend a bit of time in the kitchen once a week, and suddenly lunch and dinner are taken care of for days. The key is picking ingredients that taste amazing and last well in the fridge. Pasta and noodles are both great choices for meal prep, but which one holds up better over time? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your meal prep routine.

Pasta: The Classic Meal Prep Champion

Pasta has long been a favorite for meal prep. Why? Because it holds its texture pretty well, even after a few days in the fridge. Here’s why pasta is a solid choice for your next meal prep session:

1. Stays Al Dente Longer Pasta, especially when cooked al dente (firm to the bite), tends to hold its structure better than noodles after being stored. The slightly firmer texture makes it less likely to get mushy when reheated, which is key for meal prep.
2. Versatile with Sauces Pasta can soak up sauces over time, but it doesn’t lose its overall appeal. You’ll find that pasta dishes like baked ziti or pasta salads often taste better on the second day. The sauce and flavors have a chance to meld together, making it an ideal choice for dishes that sit in the fridge.
3. Storage-Friendly Pasta is easy to store. Simply place it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, pasta also handles the freezer quite well, especially if you freeze it with a sauce.

Noodles: Light and Quick, But Not Always the Best for Meal Prep

Now, let’s talk noodles. Whether you’re talking about ramen, soba, or rice noodles, noodles are delicious but may require a little more attention when it comes to storing and reheating.

1. Can Get Mushy One downside to noodles is that they can get soft and mushy, especially when mixed with a sauce. This is especially true for thin noodles like ramen or rice noodles, which absorb liquid quickly. If you’re meal prepping a noodle dish, it’s best to store the noodles separately from the sauce, so they don’t get soggy over time.
2. Quick to Reheat On the upside, noodles reheat quickly, which makes them great for quick meals. However, if you’re planning to store them for a few days, the texture can change, and they may not be as enjoyable after a couple of days in the fridge.
3. Best for Stir-Fries or Soups Noodles are a fantastic option for stir-fries or soups, as the broth or stir-fry sauce keeps the noodles moist. But if you plan on storing noodles for later meals, you might want to keep them separate from the sauce or broth to avoid them getting too soggy

Pasta vs Noodles for Meal Prep: Which One Holds Up Better?

Feature	Pasta	Noodles
Texture After Storing	Pasta stays firm and holds its shape when reheated, even after a few days.	Noodles tend to get soft and mushy, especially when mixed with sauces.
Best with Sauces	Pasta absorbs sauce well and often tastes better the next day as the flavors blend.	Noodles soak up sauce quickly but can get soggy and lose texture over time.
Storage	Easy to store in the fridge for 3-5 days, and stays fresh when kept in an airtight container.	Noodles are trickier to store—best kept separate from the sauce to avoid sogginess.
Reheating Quality	Reheats nicely, keeping its flavor and structure, even after a couple of days.	Reheats quickly but might lose texture, especially thin noodles like ramen.
Ideal Dishes	Perfect for baked pasta dishes, hearty sauces, and cold pasta salads.	Great for stir-fries, soups, and dishes with broth or sauces.
Freezing	Freezes well, especially with sauce, and stays pretty much the same when reheated.	Freezing noodles can result in them becoming mushy or soggy when thawed.

 

Which One Should You Choose for Meal Prep?

Here’s the thing: both pasta and noodles have their merits, but when it comes to holding up over time, pasta is generally the winner. It’s sturdier, more forgiving when reheated, and can handle being stored with a variety of sauces.

That said, if you’re craving noodles for meal prep, consider separating them from the sauce or broth to maintain their texture. You can also choose thicker noodles like udon or soba, which tend to hold up better than the thinner varieties.

Best Pasta for Meal Prep

If you're looking for pasta to make your meal prep easier, here are some great options to consider:

1.     Fettuccine A hearty, flat pasta that pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy sauces or even simple olive oil and garlic. It holds up well over time, making it a great choice for meal prepping.

2.     Penne Rigate Perfect for baked pasta dishes or pasta salads, Penne Rigate holds sauces beautifully, and its ridges help trap flavor in every bite.

3.     Fusilli This spiral-shaped pasta is excellent for keeping its shape and texture, making it ideal for cold pasta salads or saucy meals that you plan to enjoy later.

4.     Spaghetti The classic choice, perfect for long-lasting pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or spaghetti aglio e olio. It’s a reliable, flexible option for meal prep.

5.     Whole Wheat Pasta For a healthier option, whole wheat pasta is packed with nutrients and fiber, and it holds up just as well as regular pasta after being stored.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, whether you choose pasta or noodles really depends on what you're craving and the dish you're making. If you want something that stays firm, lasts longer, and works well with a variety of sauces, pasta is your best bet. Gustora Foods has been making top-quality, authentic pasta since 1924, so it’s a great choice for meal prepping. Our traditional Italian pasta is made with the finest ingredients, ensuring every meal is delicious and wholesome. But if you’re in the mood for a tasty stir-fry or noodle soup, noodles can still be a great option—just remember to store them properly.

Next time you’re prepping meals, think about what you’re storing, what dishes you’re in the mood for, and how the ingredients will hold up. Both pasta and noodles are great for meal prep, but with Gustora Foods pasta, you’ll have a flavorful, high-quality meal that lasts all week. Enjoy cooking, and happy meal prepping!