Ham Tetrazzini

This easy and creamy ham tetrazzini recipe is a budget friendly one pan meal that the whole family will love. Tender salty ham, spaghetti, and veggies, all in a rich, cheesy sauce.

Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

I’m always looking for something new to make with pasta. And this ham tetrazzini recipe is a great option for a busy night and even the pickiest eater will love it.

The cheese melts with the creamy pasta to make the perfect dish for a fancy dinner party or easy family weeknight dinner.

Made in less than 30 minutes, and in one pan, I love this dish for a quick dinner during the week. Not only that, but it’s a great way to use up any leftovers in the fridge.

If you like classic comfort food you will love this chicken tetrazzini recipe too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Budget friendly!
• Great for using leftover spaghetti.
• One of my favorite leftover ham salad recipes and will soon be one of yours 🙂
• Versatile with tons of variations for picky eaters.
• One pan/ one pot meal so fewer dishes to wash.
• Creamy, hearty, comfort food.

Ingredients Needed

Spaghetti: I love regular spaghetti but feel free to substitute linguini or fettuccini.

Onion: Sweet onion is best but white onion works too.

Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms add a nice flavor.

Roasted red peppers: Substitute fresh bell peppers or pimentos.

Green peas: Frozen peas work best or sub canned peas in a pinch.

Condensed soup: I love cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.

Ham: Diced leftover holiday ham or a ham steak is best or grab some from the deli.

Cheese: I like a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.

Pantry staples: Unsalted butter, milk, salt, black pepper.

Garnishes: Fresh parsley or sliced green onions.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to Make Ham Tetrazzini

First: In a large pot, cook spaghetti, al dente, according to package directions. Drain spaghetti but do not rinse.

Second: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and onions.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are lightly browned.

Third: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the ham, peas, roasted red peppers, and both cheeses.

Fourth: Lower the heat to medium and cook until the cheese is melted and sauce heated through and peas are softened.

Fifth: Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Serving Suggestions

This dish has it all but if you are looking to add some side dishes I suggest a green salad, another vegetable side dish like glazed carrots, and some bread like these garlic knots.

These are all great side dishes for pasta dishes, like this Cheesecake Factory Baked Rigatoni copycat recipe.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Store any leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

Reheat any leftovers in the microwave in 30 second intervals or warm in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I freeze it?

I don’t really recommend freezing dishes that have pasta in them as the noodles can get mushy. And the sauce can separate a little, but you can freeze this dish if you need to.

If freezing, I recommend undercooking the pasta a little so the noodles hold up better in the freezer. Cook and cool the dish completely. Wrap or store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a large skillet or pour into a casserole dish and bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

This is a great time to add some cracker crumbs or bread crumbs mixed with melted butter to make a crunchy topping. Or you can cover with some shredded cheese.

Why is tetrazzini called tetrazzini?

Tetrazzini is believed to be named after an Italian opera singer named Luisa Tetrazzini.

It is said that the dish was created in her honor when she was performing in San Francisco in the early 1900s.

What’s the difference between tetrazzini and spaghetti?

Tetrazzini is a pasta dish made with spaghetti or other long pasta, mixed with a creamy sauce and often has mushrooms, peas, and meat like ham or chicken.

Spaghetti is a specific type of pasta noodle that is long and thin, often served with tomato sauce and meatballs.

Basically tetrazzini is a dish that is made with spaghetti and contains additional ingredients.

Can you make ham tetrazzini in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it, although you will need to make a few adjustments.

1. Cook the pasta al dente first and set aside.
2. Saute the mushrooms and onions just like in the stove top recipe.
3. In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and add in the ham, and cooked veggies.
4. Cook in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low until heated through.
5. 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked pasta.
6. When everything is heated through, garnish and serve.

Ham Tetrazzini Variations

Chicken/Turkey: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of the ham.

Seafood: Try this dish with cooked shrimp, crab or even lobster!

Vegetarian: Substitute the meat for hearty veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or green bell peppers.

Alfredo: Swap out the mushroom soup for jarred Alfredo sauce.

Spicy: Stir in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Gluten free: Try this recipe with your favorite gluten free pasta and gluten free soup.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Cook the pasta “al dente” or slightly undercooked so it’s not mushy.
• Use leftover spaghetti for easier meal prep.
• Swap evaporated milk for a richer flavor.
• Instead of peas, use broccoli or green beans.
• When reheating, if the sauce is thick, add in a little chicken broth.
• Stir in a tablespoon or two of Madeira or marsala while cooking the mushrooms.
• Sprinkle in some extra herbs like Italian seasoning when making the sauce.
• Switch to cream of chicken or cream of onion soup if you prefer.
• Add 1/4 cup sour cream to the soup mixture for a tangy twist to the sauce.
• Try different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Swiss cheese.
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs for more texture.
• Let it rest 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken a bit.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Looking for a delicious and easy dish to try? Our delicious ham tetrazzini recipe is perfect for a night in.

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