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Irresistible Ham Tetrazzini Recipe for Perfect Family Dinner

Ham Tetrazzini - featured image

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake featuring savory ham and comforting flavors, perfect for family dinners or using up holiday leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing vegetables)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, and the sauce until evenly coated.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs together.
  6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Tetrazzini for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm and creamy straight out of the oven!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.’, ‘Whisk consistently when making the sauce to avoid lumps.’, ‘Use fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Customize the topping with paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.’, ‘Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham Tetrazzini, creamy pasta bake, family dinner, leftover ham recipe, comfort food