Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a comforting and effortless dish to prepare can be a lifesaver, which is why this easy ham tetrazzini is the perfect choice. Combining succulent ham, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, this recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but also find a permanent place in your weekly menu.
When I was a child, my grandmother would always make this dish on rainy days. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, as she told stories of how her mother passed this recipe down to her. The warmth of the stove and the aroma wafting through the house made each spoonful feel like a cherished family memory brought to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish will quickly become a family favorite due to its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that saves on cleaning up, perfect for busy families. The creamy sauce isn’t just rich; it’s adaptable, allowing you to maintain an exceptionally silky texture even if you swap out ingredients. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to utilize leftover ham, making this dish economical and reducing food waste.
Ingredients Notes
The quality of your ham significantly influences the dish’s flavor, so opt for the best you can find. You can use leftover holiday ham or even deli-sliced ham in a pinch. For the tetrazzini, spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. If cream is too rich for your liking, substitute with half-and-half; just note that the sauce might be slightly thinner. Finally, don’t skip the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Step 2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are soft and golden brown.
Step 3
Stir in flour, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by cream, and then continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Step 4
Fold in cooked pasta, diced ham, and half the Parmesan cheese. Ensure everything is well-mixed and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Options
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For more extended storage, you can freeze the tetrazzini by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the creamy texture; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating if needed.
Variations & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the cream with milk or a plant-based alternative. You can also add more vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey or chicken is an excellent substitute for the ham. For a sharper flavor profile, try adding a handful of sharp cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This tetrazzini is versatile enough to serve at weeknight dinners and special family gatherings. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for effortless elegance. This dish is also hearty enough to stand alone as a main course, served with a crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tetrazzini up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if going directly from fridge to oven.
What can I use instead of mushrooms? If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try substituting them with zucchini or bell peppers. Both options will add a different texture and complementary flavors to the dish.
How do I avoid a dry tetrazzini? Ensure that your sauce is a bit on the thin side before baking, as the pasta will absorb additional liquid in the oven. Also, covering the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking process helps prevent moisture loss.
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Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti uncooked
- 2 cups ham diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, continue cooking until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
- Add cheddar and parmesan cheese, stir until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the sauce, toss well to coat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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