Ham tetrazzini is a comforting casserole dish that combines tender ham, creamy sauce, pasta, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftover ham, this easy-to-make dish is great for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing option for potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A great way to repurpose leftover ham into a hearty, flavorful dish.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly for a cozy dinner.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta.
- Perfect for feeding a family or a larger group.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti or linguine (cooked and drained)
- Cooked ham (cubed or shredded)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or milk
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: peas or spinach for added vegetables
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil spaghetti or linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in cooked ham, Parmesan cheese, and any optional vegetables like peas or spinach. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tetrazzini for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6-8 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes.
- Total Time: 40 minutes.
Variations
- Turkey Tetrazzini: Substitute ham with cooked turkey for a holiday twist.
- Vegetable Tetrazzini: Omit the ham and add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour substitute for the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fettuccine, or any long pasta works well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Parmesan adds richness to the sauce, while mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully on top.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, whole milk works as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be less creamy.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta before baking, and cover with foil during baking if it starts to dry out.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, thaw frozen vegetables like peas or spinach before adding them to the dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy sauce is a hit with kids.
Can I make this dish without baking it?
Yes, you can skip the baking step and serve the tetrazzini directly from the skillet after mixing in the cheese.
What can I serve with ham tetrazzini?
Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Ham tetrazzini is a comforting and versatile dish that combines creamy pasta with savory ham and cheese. It’s a fantastic way to use leftovers and a great option for feeding a crowd. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!
Print
Ham Tetrazzini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy pasta bake featuring diced ham, mushrooms, and peas in a cheesy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced ham, thawed peas, and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute cooked chicken or turkey for the ham if desired.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Freezing: This dish can be assembled and frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.