Creamy Ham Tetrazzini

Introduction

Creamy Ham Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food—an irresistible bake of tender pasta, savory ham, and a velvety, cheesy sauce. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and making use of leftover ham in a way that feels luxurious. Each bite delivers cozy, familiar flavors with a gourmet touch, all in a foolproof, one-pan recipe.

What Makes Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Special?

This recipe combines the heartiness of diced ham with a luscious, homemade cream sauce, all tossed with spaghetti and finished under a golden crust of melted cheese. It’s adaptable to what you have on hand—swap in mushrooms, peas, or other cooked vegetables to boost nutrition and texture. The best part? It transforms leftovers into a rich, satisfying dinner that tastes anything but leftover.

Building the Creamy Base

The soul of Tetrazzini is a rich, creamy sauce. Start by sautéing aromatics in butter, then whisk in flour to make a roux that thickens your sauce without lumps. Slowly add broth and cream, letting everything bubble gently until it becomes silky. Stir in cheese and a touch of black pepper for depth. If you want to achieve an even texture, blending the sauce ingredients in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black ensures a perfectly smooth result.

Pasta and Add-ins: Getting the Details Right

Choose long noodles such as spaghetti or linguine and cook them just shy of al dente, since they’ll finish baking in the oven. Use your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to prep onions, mushrooms, or any additional veggies for uniform size and fast sautéing. Toss everything—ham, vegetables, creamy sauce—with the drained pasta until evenly coated.

Easy Assembly and Baking

Pour the mixture into a baking dish lined with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for effortless cleanup. Top generously with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a melty, bubbling finish. Use a KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set, Milkshake, 2 Count to safely remove the hot, cheesy bake from the oven.

Serving & Storing Creamy Ham Tetrazzini

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for cleaner slices. Pair with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—it reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings. Each portion packs about 450–500 calories, depending on cheese and cream content. For lighter fare, opt for reduced-fat dairy and boost the veggie content.

Creamy Ham Tetrazzini: Why It’s a Classic

Creamy Ham Tetrazzini stands out for its homey flavor, flexibility with ingredients, and ability to bring everyone to the dinner table with smiles. Perfect for busy nights or special gatherings, it’s a casserole that delivers every single time.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat butter over medium in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Sauté onions and mushrooms until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream, cooking until mixture thickens, 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Combine drained pasta, diced ham, peas (if using), and sauce in a large bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella or cheddar on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy the richness and nostalgia of Creamy Ham Tetrazzini— a timeless casserole made even easier with the right kitchen tools, delivering big comfort with minimum fuss.