Everyone lines up for seconds for this yummy pasta dish. The spaghetti is saucy, cheesy and loaded with ham. This easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe is an awesome dish for a great weeknight dinner.
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Ham tetrazzini recipe
It all started with the ham. A big, glorious, "barely fit in the fridge" kind of ham. I'm not entirely sure what possessed me to buy it. Maybe it was the sale, maybe it was the way the honey glaze sparkled in the store lights, but there it was, a centerpiece worthy of our feast!
Fast forward to dinner: family gathered, plates piled high, and compliments flying. The slow cooker ham stole the show (as expected). But as the night wore on and the crowd thinned, the reality of leftovers set in.
There was so… much… ham.
Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 casserole dish
- 1 large stockpot
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup (that's two cans)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 ounces canned mushrooms
- 2 ounces pimentos optional
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup French fried onions
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry optional - can substitute white wine or simply omit.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray, set aside.
- Salt boiling water. Break the spaghetti into thirds and cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain spaghetti well.
- Use a large mixing bowl or the pot you boiled the spaghetti it. Combine the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, ricotta cheese and sherry (if using) whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the spaghetti in the cheesy sauce.
- Stir in the ham, peas, mushrooms and pimientos.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with grated Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle with fried onions. Cover with foil. Place in pre heated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes remove foil. Return to oven for another five minutes, or until onions are crisp and golden brown, enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
Casserole variations
- I like to use frozen peas because they add color and texture, but feel free to use any other vegetable you like or have on hand. Such as broccoli florets or diced green bell peppers
- You can use milk in place of the evaporated milk, but the evaporated milk really gives this dish a rich and creamy texture.
- If you are not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup instead.
- Add a half cup of sour cream to the soup mixture for a little tang to your creamy sauce.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions for the Ham Tetrazzini Recipe refer to the recipe card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Fettuccine, linguine, rotini, penne, or even egg noodles all work well here. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce, so skip anything too delicate. Use what you have, cook it just to al dente, and you're good to go.
Ham is already cooked, so really you're looking to warm it. This will depend on the size and cut of the dice, but typically it should only take about 10-15 minutes.
Tetrazzini is an Italian-American dish made with cooked spaghetti or fettuccine, mushrooms, and chicken or turkey in a creamy sauce. It is often topped with cheese, bread crumbs, or Parmesan cheese and served as a main course.
Deb's tips to make a great casserole
Use the hot pan from the pasta boiled to combine the sauce in. The heat helps the soup and cheese melt a bit and whisk together more easily.
- This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a large crowd or want leftovers. But, make sure you use two baking dishes.
- I like to garnish this casserole with fresh parsley or fresh basil when I serve it.
What to serve with Ham Tetrazzini
This casserole pairs nicely with simple sides that balance out all that creamy comfort. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps things fresh, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add a little color and bite, and warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are always welcome for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
If you want something extra cozy, roasted carrots or a light vegetable medley fit right in without stealing the spotlight from the main dish.
More easy casserole recipes
If you're in the mood for more cozy, casserole-style dinners, there are plenty of good options waiting for you. The Ham and Noodle Casserole brings that creamy, baked comfort with simple pantry ingredients. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole leans into classic flavors with a no-fuss twist, and the Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake is the kind of hearty dinner that disappears fast.
Each one fits right into the same easy, family-friendly lane-warm, filling, and built for weeknights when you want dinner to feel like a hug without making a big production out of it.
Why you'll keep coming back to this recipe
This is the kind of casserole that earns a regular spot in the dinner rotation. It's easy to make, comforting, and a smart way to turn leftover ham into something everyone looks forward to eating. If you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out, and don't forget to save it for later so it's ready the next time ham is hanging out in your fridge looking for a purpose.
Lois says
If you are fixing ham for the holidays ad have some left left over this is a wonderful recipe to fix and have a totally different meal. So good.
james says
Very clear instructions, well done
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks James!