Freezing Slow Cooker Lamb and Pasta

Asked by Misssscott. Answered on 11th September 2015

Full question

Hi there. I've done thie Slow-Cooker Lamb With Pasta recipe before which is amazing. But I'd like to freeze a portion of it next time as there is only 2 of us. Is it possible with the ingredients used, to freeze once cooked and cooled? Even part way - say before adding the pasta? Look forward to your answer. Sarah

Our answer

Nigella's Slow-Cooker Lamb With Pasta (on the Nigella website) is an easy dish to make as the sauce cooks gently in the slow-cooker for 6 hours ad then the pasta is added towards the end of the cooking time. The recipe serves 6-8 so if you are only cooking for two then it is likely that there will be leftovers, even with a halved quantity.

It is easiest to freeze the fully cooked leftovers, with the pasta, as freezing the sauce without the pasta means that there will be a lot of extra liquid. Pasta with sauce generally freezes well, though the pasta may be slightly softer on reheating. Cool and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers as quickly as possible, and within 2 hours of making. The leftovers will freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the leftovers overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in a microwave, following the manufacturer's guidelines, until the pasta and sauce are piping hot.