How long can plain cooked pasta sit at room temperature?

It's generally not recommended to leave plain cooked pasta at room temperature for an extended period. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Cooked pasta provides a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, especially at room temperature. While plain pasta itself doesn't contain a lot of nutrients, the moisture and starch make it a breeding ground for microorganisms.

* Food Safety: Leaving cooked pasta out for too long increases the risk of foodborne illness. Bacteria can multiply rapidly, making the pasta unsafe to eat.

The general rule of thumb is to refrigerate cooked pasta within two hours of it being cooked.

However, here are some exceptions:

* Pasta Salad: If your pasta is part of a cold pasta salad with other ingredients like vegetables, mayonnaise, or dressing, it's important to keep it refrigerated at all times.

* Short-Term Storage: For short periods (up to an hour or two), you might be able to leave cooked pasta at room temperature if it's:

* Covered: Keep it in a container or covered with plastic wrap to minimize exposure to air and potential contamination.

* Hot: If the pasta is still hot, the bacteria will have a harder time multiplying.

To stay safe, always prioritize refrigeration for cooked pasta, especially if you're unsure.