Savor the Comfort of Homemade Ham Tetrazzini
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredible ham tetrazzini recipe that combines tender pasta, succulent ham, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce into one unforgettable dish. Moreover, this pasta masterpiece transforms leftover ham into a gourmet experience your family will request time and time again.

Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or searching for the perfect potluck dish, this ham tetrazzini delivers satisfaction in every bite. Furthermore, its creamy texture and savory flavors create a memorable meal that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
Get ready to experience a pasta dish that perfectly balances comfort and elegance. Additionally, this recipe proves that homestyle cooking can rival any restaurant offering, especially when it comes to hearty, satisfying meals.
Ham Tetrazzini: A Creamy Pasta Paradise
This ham tetrazzini recipe elevates the classic pasta bake to new heights with its velvety sauce and perfect blend of textures. Meanwhile, the combination of tender spaghetti, savory mushrooms like in our Best Cauliflower Soup, and diced ham creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Here's everything you need to know about crafting this delectable dish, complete with expert tips to ensure success. While the process is straightforward, the results are nothing short of extraordinary, rivaling our popular Easy Homemade Lasagna in terms of comfort food satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions:
Your ham tetrazzini pairs beautifully with:
- Crisp garden salad
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Our Famous Creamy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
- Homemade Italian Bread
Pro Tips for Perfect Ham Tetrazzini:
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook your spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce
- Smooth Sauce: Gradually add liquids to your roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
- Even Chunks: Cut ham into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and better presentation
- Temperature Matters: Let the milk and broth come to room temperature before adding to the roux
- Make-Ahead Magic: Like our Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, this dish can be assembled ahead and baked when needed

Ham Tetrazzini Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Large pot, skillet, baking dish, colander
Transform your kitchen into a haven of Italian-American comfort food with this delightful ham tetrazzini recipe.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened (5-6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring smoothness. Add thyme and cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted. Fold in diced ham and thawed peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Gently toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish if desired.
- Optional Broiling: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Ready to Relish!
This ham tetrazzini offers a perfect blend of creamy comfort and sophisticated flavor that makes any meal special. The combination of tender pasta, savory ham, and rich cheese sauce creates an irresistible dish that will become a family favorite.
Storage Solutions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess
📖 Recipe
Ham Tetrazzini
Transform your kitchen into a haven of Italian-American comfort food with this delightful ham tetrazzini recipe.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened (5-6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring smoothness. Add thyme and cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted. Fold in diced ham and thawed peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Gently toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish if desired.
- Optional Broiling: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes







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