Ham Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 1 lb.spaghetti
broken in half
- 6 tbsp.salted butter
divided
- 2 c.diced ham
- 8 oz.white mushrooms
quartered
- ½ tsp.kosher salt
- 4 clovesgarlic
finely chopped
- ¾ c.dry white wine
- 3 tbsp.all-purpose flour
- 3 c.chicken broth
- 1package cream cheese
cubed
- 1 c.frozen green peas
- 1 c.shredded white cheddar cheese or swiss cheese
- 1 c.grated parmesan cheese
divided
- ½ tsp.ground black pepper
- nonstick cooking spray
- ½ c.panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp.chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 2
In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserving about ¾ cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, rinse, and set aside.
- 3
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the ham and sauté until golden and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the ham to a plate.
- 4
In the same pot, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and salt, and sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to turn golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the wine and allow it to cook with the mushrooms until the liquid reduces by half, 3 to 5 minutes.
- 5
Sprinkle in the flour, and cook until the flour is slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the broth and stir, cooking for another few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 6
Reduce the heat to medium low. Gradually add the cream cheese, stirring until combined. Do not boil the sauce. Add the ham, peas, cheddar cheese, and ¾ cup of parmesan. Stir to combine. Add the pepper and salt, to taste.
- 7
Add the cooked spaghetti and stir to combine. Add the pasta water, about 2 tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce. (Add up to ½ cup of water, as needed.)
- 8
Meanwhile, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Stir in the breadcrumbs and the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan.
- 9
Spray a large (3-quart or 13-by-9-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the pan. Drizzle the top with another ¼ cup of pasta water to keep the spaghetti from drying out. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
- 10
Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the crumbs are golden brown, 20 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving, sprinkled with parsley, if you like.
Ham Tetrazzini
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Based on 5 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for the perfect way to transform that delicious leftover Easter ham? This Ham Tetrazzini recipe turns holiday remnants into a comforting, cheesy, baked pasta dish the whole family will adore, making the most of your holiday bounty.
This classic comfort food casserole is a smart and satisfying solution for using leftover ham. With tender spaghetti, a rich cream cheese-based sauce, and savory mushrooms and peas, it's hearty and deeply flavorful. The golden panko breadcrumb topping, combined with grated Parmesan, adds an irresistible crunch that sets this baked pasta apart.
You'll be treated to a wonderfully rich and savory experience with every forkful of this Ham Tetrazzini. The spaghetti is enveloped in a luxurious sauce, made creamy with chicken broth and cubed cream cheese, and brightened by dry white wine. Expect tender chunks of ham, earthy white mushrooms, and sweet green peas all mingling together under that signature golden, crispy topping. This American comfort food main dish is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, especially appealing to children, offering a familiar and satisfying dinner that feels both special and effortless.
Customization & Variations
While perfect with ham, you can easily adapt this Tetrazzini by swapping the diced ham for cooked chicken or turkey if you're making it outside of Easter or Christmas. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; while shredded white cheddar or Swiss cheese are suggested for the creamy base, a good provolone or Fontina would also melt beautifully. If you don't have dry white wine on hand, an equal amount of chicken broth can be used instead to maintain the liquid content.
Ideal for a festive Sunday lunch, a comforting weeknight dinner, or anytime you need to feed a crowd, this Ham Tetrazzini is excellent served with a simple side salad to balance its richness. It's truly a celebration of comforting flavors, perfect for dinner.