4 Ways To Keep Pasta Warm - WikiHow

Home » How To Keep Pasta Warm » 4 Ways To Keep Pasta Warm - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Keep Pasta Warm PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Soaking in a Hot Water Bath
    • |
  • Using a Slow Cooker
    • |
  • Utilizing a Chafing Dish
    • |
  • Trying Alternative Solutions
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 117,155 times.

Pasta 663096_1920

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to keep your food fresh for a meal later in the day, knowing how to keep your pasta warm will preserve the flavor and freshness of this versatile dish. With a few basic kitchen implements, your pasta will always taste like it has just been cooked! You can also avoid sticky or dry pasta with some simple tricks.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Soaking in a Hot Water Bath

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Fill a large pan halfway full of water. 1 Fill a large pan halfway full of water. Set it on medium or low heat on the stove. Heat the water to about 160 °F (71 °C).
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 2 Place a second pot or pan inside the water bath. Add your cooked and drained pasta to that pot or pan. If you have any sauce, add that into the pot or pan as well. Cover this second pot or pan to retain moisture. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 3 Keep the stove on low heat. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent burning. If necessary, replace the evaporated water from the larger pan with warm water. Replace the lid after stirring.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Using a Slow Cooker

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cook your pasta... 1 Cook your pasta al dente. Al dente means the pasta is soft, but has a little resistance. This should take 6 to 8 minutes. The longer you cook the pasta, the softer it will be.
    • You can use a slow cooker to keep pasta warm after it’s cooked.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 2 Drain the pasta. To do this, put a colander in the sink. Grab the pot of pasta with potholders, then carefully pour the contents of the pot into the colander. Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam or the pot.[2]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 3 Check if you are using a Crock-Pot or a different type of slow cooker. Crock-Pots are a subtype of slow cooker. Thus, all Crock-Pots are slow cookers but not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. Crock-Pots also have only two temperature settings.[3]
    • Crock-Pots have ceramic interiors and have heating elements in the sides.
    • Slow cookers have heating elements only at the bottom.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 4 Grease the Crock-Pot with olive or vegetable oil. The oil prevents the pasta from sticking to the sides. Olive oil is richer in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, but vegetable oils are better for high temperature cooking.[4]
    • Skip this step if you are using a slow cooker that is not a Crock-Pot.
    • Skip this step if you are using a Crock-Pot and have sauce.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 5 Add sauce to the pasta. This will prevent the pasta from sticking to the sides of the pot. It also stops the pasta from drying out.
    • If you are using a slow cooker and do not have sauce, drizzle the pasta with olive oil and water instead.
  6. Step 6 Put the pasta into the slow cooker and turn the heat to low. 6 Put the pasta into the slow cooker and turn the heat to low. Stir the pasta every thirty minutes. This helps evenly distribute the heat, and prevents your food from separating into layers.
    • Add water/sauce every time you stir the pasta.
    • If you are using a Crock-Pot, turn the heat to warm and do not add any water/sauce when stirring.
  7. Step 7 Serve the pasta when you are ready. 7 Serve the pasta when you are ready. If the pasta has been sitting undisturbed for a long time, stir beforehand.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Utilizing a Chafing Dish

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Set up your... 1 Set up your chafing dish. Place the food pan over the chafing dish stand where you intend to serve the pasta. Before lighting the burner, make sure the dish isn’t near anything flammable and that the flame will be protected from any wind.
  2. Step 2 Check if your chafing dish has a water pan. 2 Check if your chafing dish has a water pan. The water pan is the larger pan that surrounds the food pan. It is designed to help heat the food with steam.[5]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 3 Pour .5 inches (1.3 cm) of water into the food pan. Cover the pan to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate away. This water will create steam, which will help ensure the pasta won't dry out.
    • Skip this step if your chafing dish does have a water pan.
  4. Step 4 Cook your pasta... 4 Cook your pasta to the desired texture before draining. Remember that the longer you cook the pasta, the mushier it will get. Many people prefer pasta al dente.
    • If you will be keeping the pasta warm for a long period of time, it may cook more while it is being kept warm.
  5. Step 5 Mix the sauce with the pasta. 5 Mix the sauce with the pasta. This way you can serve the pasta without having to keep the sauce warm separately.
    • Skip this step if your chafing dish does not have a water pan.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 6 Rinse the pasta in cold water for 5 minutes, then toss with a small amount of olive oil. The water makes the pasta stop cooking and removes excess starch that will make it sticky. The oil adds moisture and also prevents stickiness.
    • Skip this step if your chafing dish does have a water pan.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 7 Add the pasta to the food pan. Make sure to replace the cover so you don't dry out your pasta. Stir the pasta periodically so the bottom doesn't overcook. Serve when ready.
    • If you do not have a water pan, periodically add water to the food pan to replace the water that evaporates.
    8. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Trying Alternative Solutions

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Reheat refrigerated pasta in boiling water. 1 Reheat refrigerated pasta in boiling water. Restaurants often use this method to quickly fill pasta orders. It also warms the pasta without a loss in texture.[6]
    • Cook pasta al dente, then drain and refrigerate the pasta in a ziploc bag.
    • When you want to eat the pasta, boil a large pot of water.
    • Submerge the pasta in boiling water for no more than 30 seconds, then drain and serve.[7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 2 Microwave refrigerated pasta. This works well if you are in a hurry and don't have many tools available to you. Remember that the pasta may cook a little when it is reheated.
    • Cook pasta al dente, then drain and refrigerate the pasta in a ziploc bag.
    • When you want to eat, add olive oil to the pasta and place in a microwaveable bowl.
    • Microwave on low heat for one minute.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Keep Pasta Warm 3 Keep the pasta warm in the oven. This method can dry out the pasta. To avoid that, make sure the pasta is well-covered with sauce before you put it in the oven.
    • Place the pasta in an oven-safe pan or bowl.[8]
    • Cover the pasta with aluminum foil then set the oven to the lowest temperature, or 220 °F (104 °C).[9]
    • If the heat gets up to 225 °F (107 °C), turn the heat off so the food can stay warm in the residual heat without overcooking.[10]
  4. Step 4 Store warm pasta in a thermos. 4 Store warm pasta in a thermos. This is great for packing lunches or dinners. It also works well for keeping pasta warm for one or two people, rather than for a full party.
    • Warm up a thermos by filling it with boiling water and letting the water sit for 10 minutes.
    • Empty the thermos and fill it with your hot pasta and sauce.
    • Make sure to secure the lid, and be careful not to burn yourself on the hot food.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I prevent pasta from clumping up? Chef Jeff Woodward Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. Chef Jeff Woodward Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Expert Answer To keep the pasta from clumping, drizzle it with a little olive oil or toss it with a small amount of butter. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the oil or butter. Continue to stir the pasta occasionally as it cools to prevent any clumps from forming. If you're not serving the pasta immediately, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it moist until ready to use. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Reheat Leftover Pasta Without It Separating or Drying UpHow toReheat Leftover Pasta Without It Separating or Drying Up Keep Food Warm at a PartyHow toKeep Food Warm at a Party Cook PastaHow to Cook Pasta Store Leftover PastaHow toStore Leftover Pasta Keep Food HotHow toKeep Food Hot How toKeep Spaghetti from Sticking How toMicrowave Pasta Reheat Frozen or Chilled FoodHow toReheat Frozen or Chilled Food Use a Chafing DishHow toUse a Chafing Dish Use a ColanderHow toUse a Colander How toKeep Scrambled Eggs Warm How toBoil Noodles Store Fresh Pasta3 Ways to Store Fresh Homemade Pasta Best Way to Reheat LasagnaHow to Reheat Lasagna without Drying It Out Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Chef Jeff Woodward.

References

  1. ↑ Chef Jeff Woodward. Private Chef. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.today.com/food/how-properly-drain-pasta-viral-hack-t117091
  3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-crockpot-and-a-slow-cooker-word-of-mouth-217582
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/which-is-better-vegetable-oil-61853
  5. ↑ https://www.nisbets.co.uk/usingachafingdish
  6. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-reheat-pasta/
  7. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-reheat-pasta/
  8. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-reheat-pasta/
  9. ↑ https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-keep-hot-food-warm-3057587
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-keep-hot-food-warm-3057587

About This Article

Chef Jeff Woodward Co-authored by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 117,155 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 117,155 Categories: Food Preservation Techniques | Pasta and Noodles In other languages Spanish Italian German Portuguese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 117,155 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chef Jeff Woodward Co-authored by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 117,155

Quizzes & Games

What Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerateWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorPizza CalculatorWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Reheat Leftover Pasta Without It Separating or Drying UpHow toReheat Leftover Pasta Without It Separating or Drying UpKeep Food Warm at a PartyHow toKeep Food Warm at a PartyCook PastaHow to Cook PastaStore Leftover PastaHow toStore Leftover Pasta

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Featured Articles

What Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids Laugh

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Guess the Food QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Pasta and Noodles
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --752

Tag » How To Keep Pasta Warm