Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe is a warm and comforting pasta dish that many families love. It is rich, creamy and very easy to make at home.
This Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. The creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta and ham perfectly.
If you are looking for a filling meal, this dish is a great choice. In this guide, you will learn how to make Creamy Ham Tetrazzini step by step with ease.
My Experience With This Recipe
I started making this recipe when I had leftover ham in my fridge. I did not want to waste food, so I tried something new. This dish surprised me with how tasty it was.
The sauce came out smooth and creamy without much effort. The ham added great flavor to the pasta. My family enjoyed it a lot and asked for seconds.
Since then, this recipe has become a regular meal in my home. It is easy, comforting, and always satisfying.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Creamy Ham Tetrazzini
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or pan
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients You Need for Creamy Ham Tetrazzini
- Spaghetti or linguine – 12 ounces
- Cooked ham, diced – 2 cups
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Onion, chopped – 1 small
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pan
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
3. Add Garlic and Flour
Add garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in flour and cook gently until the mixture smells lightly toasted.
4. Make the Sauce
Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Add Cream Cheese
Add cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and creamy with no lumps remaining.
6. Season the Sauce
Add salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Add Ham and Pasta
Add diced ham and cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
8. Bake the Dish
Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use leftover ham for best flavor and less waste.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking.
- Stir the sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
- Let the dish rest five minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Ham Tetrazzini tastes best when served hot and fresh from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for color.
This dish works well for family dinners and small gatherings. Serve it in deep bowls to keep it warm longer. A light salad on the side makes the meal feel balanced and fresh.
Best Sides To Serve With
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or dinner rolls. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works nicely.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add freshness. Roasted carrots also make a great side option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can also reheat in the oven at low heat. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying.
Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients
- WF
- Spaghetti or linguine – 12 ounces
- Cooked ham diced – 2 cups
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves
- Onion chopped – 1 small
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Pan
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Add Garlic and Flour
- Add garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in flour and cook gently until the mixture smells lightly toasted.
Make the Sauce
- Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Add Cream Cheese
- Add cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and creamy with no lumps remaining.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Add Ham and Pasta
- Add diced ham and cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
Bake the Dish
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Notes
- Use leftover ham for best flavor and less waste.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking.
- Stir the sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
- Let the dish rest five minutes before serving.
FAQs about Creamy Ham Tetrazzini
Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use penne, fettuccine or rotini. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
How to make Creamy Ham Tetrazzini ahead of time?
You can prepare everything and store it unbaked in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
What are the best ingredients for Creamy Ham Tetrazzini?
Fresh milk, good cheese, and quality cooked ham give the best taste and creamy texture.
Can I freeze this recipe after cooking?
Yes, freeze it in a sealed container. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly for best results.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe is simple, comforting and full of flavor. It is perfect for using leftover ham and feeding a hungry family.
The creamy sauce, tender pasta and savory ham work beautifully together. If you want an easy and filling meal, this recipe is a great choice. Try it once, and it may become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
