Reheating pasta can often leave it soggy, dried out, or unevenly heated. To enjoy your favorite pasta dish as if it were freshly made, the following methods are regarded as best for different types of pasta.

For plain pasta without sauce, the boiling water method is highly effective. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Place your leftover pasta in the water for one to two minutes, then drain and enjoy. This method heats the pasta evenly and retains its al dente texture without further cooking it.

If your leftover pasta already has sauce on it, the oven or stovetop methods tend to work best. For the oven method, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place your pasta in an ovenproof dish, cover with aluminium foil, and bake until hot — typically about 20 minutes for a single serving. You can add a splash of water or additional sauce before covering to prevent it from drying out.

For reheating sauced pasta on the stovetop, put it in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and consistently to help distribute heat evenly. Again, a bit of water or more sauce will help keep it moist. Once thoroughly heated through—usually within 10 minutes—it’s ready to be served.

For dishes like lasagna or baked ziti that are better off maintaining their crispy top layer, use the oven method but uncovered and possibly with a few minutes under the broiler at the end for that fresh-from-the-oven crunch.

Microwaving is often seen as a last resort due to its tendency to heat food unevenly. However, if short on time or equipment, you can still achieve decent results by sprinkling some water over the pasta before covering it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 90-second intervals, stirring between each bout of heating until thoroughly warmed up.

Lastly, creamy pasta dishes might separate when reheated too aggressively. The remedy is low and slow heating; use either stovetop or microwave on a gentle heat setting stirring frequently until evenly warmed through.

Remember that reheated food should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat according to food safety guidelines. Whichever method you choose based on your type of pasta and scenario, these tips should help you restore your leftovers back into a meal worth relishing once again.