Quick & Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy ham tetrazzini whispers comfort on chilly evenings when hunger demands something hearty and satisfying.

Pasta strands weave through tender meat chunks with delicate precision.

Cheese melts into silky sauce, creating layers of rich flavor that dance across your palate.

Leftover holiday ham finds new life in this classic Italian-American casserole.

Weeknight dinners become magical moments of culinary delight with minimal effort.

Mushrooms and parmesan add depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible comfort dish.

Expert Tips to Nail Ham Tetrazzini

• Boost Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook spaghetti before mixing with sauce, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles.
• Customize Protein Swap: Replace ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu for diverse meal options.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Add extra milk or chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, ensuring a creamy, moist consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast breadcrumbs with a little butter before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and rich, golden-brown color.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving.

Best Way to Save and Reheat Ham Tetrazzini

• Store leftover ham tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems dry.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Ham Tetrazzini Pairings That Work

• Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy richness of the ham tetrazzini, balancing its heavy texture with refreshing citrus notes.
• Create a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing that provides a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy pasta dish, adding needed acidity and crunch.
• Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and olive oil to introduce a vegetable element that adds nutrition and contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Choose a chilled sparkling water with lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites, helping to refresh the mouth and enhance the overall dining experience.

Fresh Takes on Ham Tetrazzini

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ham with plant-based protein like tofu cubes or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and add extra mushrooms for depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Switch spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce cheese quantity and use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked chicken breast alongside ham for extra protein. Include additional protein-rich vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value.

Ham Tetrazzini Quick Info Guide

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and is similar in length.

• Is Ham Tetrazzini kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love this dish because of its creamy texture, mild ham flavor, and cheese. The peas add a nice nutritional boost that blends seamlessly into the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free spaghetti and replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, check that your condensed soup is gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets gluten-free requirements.

• What can I do if I don't have condensed cream of mushroom soup?

Create a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as a replacement. Alternatively, you can use cream of chicken soup for a similar creamy consistency.

What Makes Ham Tetrazzini a Must-Try

• Perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Transforms affordable ingredients like ham and pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying casserole that stretches your grocery budget.
• Easily swap ham for chicken or add different vegetables to match family preferences and make this recipe adaptable to various tastes.
• Creamy texture, cheesy topping, and familiar ingredients guarantee even picky eaters will clean their plates without complaints.

Ham Tetrazzini Ingredient Checklist

• Ham: Classic protein with savory flavor, diced for easy eating and even distribution.
• Peas: Bright green vegetable adding color and nutritional boost.

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that holds sauce well, cooked until perfectly tender.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese providing rich, creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese with nutty flavor for extra depth.
• Milk: Helps create smooth and creamy sauce consistency.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Convenient base for creating quick and rich sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable providing foundational flavor.
• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetable adding depth and texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy texture to casserole top.

How to Whip Up Ham Tetrazzini

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) so it’s ready for your culinary masterpiece.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil spaghetti until it reaches that magical al dente texture. Drain and set aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 3: Sizzle Veggie Goodness

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook until onions turn translucent and mushrooms become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Blend until silky smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper for that extra zing.

Step 5: Mix In Protein And Cheese

• Diced ham
• Thawed peas
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until cheese melts and everything mingles beautifully.

Step 6: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Dump cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss and twirl until every strand gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 7: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the scrumptious mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

• Remaining cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 10: Let It Rest And Serve

Allow the tetrazzini to cool for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comfort food magic.

Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy ham tetrazzini invites comfort with its luxurious blend of pasta, savory ham, and rich cheese sauce. Simmering with classic Italian-American charm, this hearty dish promises a satisfying meal that delights hungry diners at every forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk

Pasta and Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 6 ounces (170 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a moderate 350F (175C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming dish.
2. Transform spaghetti into a tender canvas by cooking according to package guidance, ensuring an al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. Craft a flavor foundation in a spacious skillet by melting butter, then introducing diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until onions become translucent and mushrooms develop a rich, soft character, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Enhance the skillet’s contents by whisking condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk into a harmonious, smooth sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to elevate the taste profile.
5. Introduce diced ham, thawed peas, and three-quarters of the cheddar cheese into the skillet. Gently stir until the cheese melts and ingredients integrate seamlessly.
6. Marry the prepared sauce with cooked spaghetti, ensuring each pasta strand becomes thoroughly enrobed in the creamy mixture.
7. Transfer the vibrant combination into a 9×13-inch baking vessel, distributing the contents evenly to guarantee consistent flavor distribution.
8. Embellish the casserole’s surface with remaining cheddar cheese, sprinkle Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs, creating a tantalizing golden crust.
9. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden hue and the interior bubbles with anticipation.
10. Pause briefly to let the tetrazzini settle, then serve this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Swap regular spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or celiac-friendly alternative.
• Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce overall calorie content without compromising flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more colorful texture.
• Substitute ham with turkey ham or plant-based protein for lower-sodium or vegetarian versions of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg