Ham Tetrazzini is a rich and creamy pasta bake that transforms leftover ham into a comforting, family-friendly meal. Tender spaghetti is tossed in a luscious cream sauce with mushrooms, onions, and peas, then layered with diced ham and baked under a golden topping of cheese and breadcrumbs. This dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, savoury, and cheesy flavours, making it an ideal choice for cozy weeknight dinners or holiday leftovers.
Ham Tetrazzini:
Originally inspired by the classic chicken tetrazzini, this ham version adds a smoky, salty twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. With its baked pasta goodness, Ham Tetrazzini is not just filling but also versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and add-ins like different vegetables or cheeses. Whether served with a fresh salad or warm bread, it’s a hearty main course that brings comfort and flavour to the table.
History:
Tetrazzini was named after the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini in the early 20th century. While the original recipe featured poultry, American home cooks began creating variations with other proteins, including ham. Ham Tetrazzini gained popularity as a delicious way to use leftover holiday ham, becoming a beloved comfort food in many households.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Ham Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
- Stir in peas, cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add diced ham and cooked pasta, toss to coat well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Leftover Easter or Christmas ham works perfectly.
- Use rotini or penne instead of spaghetti if preferred.
- Fresh mushrooms give more depth than canned.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream.
- Add extra cheese for a richer topping.
Tips for Ham Tetrazzini:
- Cook pasta slightly underdone to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Toast breadcrumbs in butter before topping for extra crunch.
- Add spinach or broccoli for a vegetable boost.
- Mix cheeses like Gruyere or cheddar for a flavour twist.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for better slices.
FAQ’s for Ham Tetrazzini:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze Tetrazzini?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Q: What can I use instead of ham?
Turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well.
Q: Can I use canned soup instead of cream?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup is a common shortcut.
Q: What sides pair best with Tetrazzini?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion:
Ham Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta bake that makes the most of leftover ham. With tender pasta, savoury vegetables, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s a hearty dish that everyone will love. Whether for holidays or weeknight meals, this recipe delivers both flavour and nostalgia.