How long can pasta keep at room temperature?

Cooked pasta should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, especially in food like pasta that has a lot of moisture.

* Foodborne Illness: Eating food that has been left out at room temperature for too long can cause foodborne illness, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

To be safe, refrigerate cooked pasta within two hours of cooking. You can also freeze cooked pasta for later use.