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Home » Recipes » Christmas Day Recipes

Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

Published: Jan 5, 2025 · Modified: Feb 25, 2025 by Debra Clark · 3 Comments

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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.

Cheesy pasta in casserole dish with serving spoon.
Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
Jump to:
  • Ham tetrazzini recipe
  • Ingredients you’ll need
  • Creative variations to try
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Essential tools for this recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
  • Deb’s tips for the perfect pasta
  • How to store leftovers
  • More recipes you’ll love
  • Perfect pairings: what to serve with
  • Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

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.

If you're like me and trying to figure out what to do with leftover holiday or Easter ham, this is one of my favorite meals!! (And for even more ideas check out 30+ Recipes for Leftover Ham.)

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Ingredients to make recipe, with print overlay.

Ingredients you’ll need

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

  • Chopped ham - leftover ham or ham steak is great for this recipe. No ham, use chicken or turkey.
  • Spaghetti noodles, though you can use fettuccine or even egg noodles if youprefer.
  • ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • This recipe calls for Monterey Jack cheese, you can use different types of cheese to mix things up. Try a blend of Parmesan, Swiss, and mozzarella or cheddar and Monterey jack.

Creative variations to try

  • 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.
Ingredients needed for ham tetrazzini recipe. With print overlay.

Step-by-step instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions for the Ham Tetrazzini Recipe, scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Pre heat oven, prepare baking dish, set aside.
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions to al dente, drain well.
  3. Make the sauce. Combine the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, ricotta cheese and sherry. Whisk until creamy and smooth.
  4. Toss the pasta in the cheese sauce.
  5. Stir in the ham, mushrooms, peas and pimientos.
  6. Then transfer the mixture to baking dish. Top with grated cheese and fried onions. Cover and bake in the preheated oven as directed below.

Essential tools for this recipe

The following are affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

  • Casserole dish - I love this set, I have it in white and red!
  • Large pot for boiling pasta. This is on my wish list, I love that it has a built in strainer!

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

Why is Tetrazzini called Tetrazzini?

The dish is named after the Italian opera singer, Luisa Tetrazzini.

How long does it take to cook diced ham?

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.

How do you make tetrazzini in a slow cooker?

To make tetrazzini in a slow cooker, simply combine all of your ingredients in the insert and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is cooked.

What's the meaning of Tetrazzini?

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.

Casserole dish filled with baked ham tetrazzini.
Delicious Ham Tetrazzini Recipe, this is great comfort food!

Deb’s tips for the perfect pasta

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.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven.

How to store leftovers

Refrigerate - Store leftover tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer - Leftover pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat - To reheat, place tetrazzini in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees until heated through, about 30 minutes. Or reheat single servings in the microwave for one to two minutes.

More recipes you’ll love

If you love ham or cheesy pasta casseroles be sure to check out these recipes. Just click on the photo to take you right to the recipe!

  • Chicken Cordon Bleu bake in casserole dish with serving spoon.
    Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
  • Sausage and pasta in a cast iron skillet with a serving spoon.
    Simple Sausage Pasta Bake
  • Ham and Noodle Casserole in a baking dish, with a serving spoon.
    Ham and Noodle Casserole
  • Scalloped Potato Casserole with serving spoon.
    Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

  • Round out this easy weeknight meal with this fresh and healthy side of Steamed Brussel Sprouts.
  • Keep it easy with a simple Caesar salad - grab a salad in a bag for an easy side dish!
  • You can have a creamy casserole like this one, with a bread side. These Easy Yeast Rolls are the perfect side to serve with this dish.
  • Still looking for ideas? Check out what to serve with pasta bake here!

If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Ham Tetrazzini Recipe in casserole dish with serving spoon.
5 from 2 votes

Easy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe

Super cheesy ham and pasta casserole is a family favorite!
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Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 495kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 casserole dish

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!

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1295mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 2mg

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    1.2K shares

    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lois says

      December 20, 2023 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    2. james says

      December 13, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      Very clear instructions, well done

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        December 14, 2022 at 6:14 pm

        Thanks James!

        Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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