Ham Tetrazzini

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Ham tetrazzini is a yummy pasta dish that’s perfect for using up leftover ham. You’ll love how easy it is to make! This creamy pasta bake combines tender spaghetti, chunks of ham, and a cheesy sauce for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook.

The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. You’ll need spaghetti, butter, onion, mushrooms, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, cheese, ham, and peas. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop before everything gets mixed with the pasta. You can even add a crispy Parmesan topping if you want to make it extra special!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy ham tetrazzini:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For topping and garnish (optional):
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This way, you’ll be able to whip up your ham tetrazzini without any last-minute trips to the store!

Remember, you can adjust the amounts based on your taste. Want more cheese? Go for it! Not a fan of peas? You can leave them out.

Instructions

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add onion and mushrooms, cooking until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add 1 tablespoon butter and flour to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and broth. Add thyme and cook until thick, about 3-4 minutes.

Lower heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in ham and peas. Season with salt and pepper.

Gently toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, coating evenly.

For extra yumminess, transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Serve your ham tetrazzini warm. Add fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy pasta dish!

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find all the ingredients for ham tetrazzini? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can make:

Pasta:

• Fettuccine
• Linguine
• Penne

Meat:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Tuna

Cheese:

• Mozzarella
• Swiss
• Gruyère

Don’t have mushrooms? Try bell peppers or zucchini instead. No peas? Corn or broccoli work great too!

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Gluten-free? Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles.

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cajun seasoning. You can also try different herbs like rosemary or basil in place of thyme.

Remember, cooking is all about being creative and using what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this ham tetrazzini more suitable for people with diabetes, you can try a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular pasta. This will add more fiber and help slow down sugar absorption.

Replace half the pasta with zucchini noodles. This cuts carbs while adding nutrients. You can also use less pasta overall and bulk up the dish with extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.

Choose low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to lower the saturated fat content. Go for lean, low-sodium ham to reduce salt. Skip the optional Parmesan topping or use just a sprinkle.

For the sauce, try using almond milk and less flour to make it lower in carbs. You can thicken it with pureed cauliflower instead. This adds vitamins and fiber while cutting calories.

Watch your portion sizes too. Stick to about 1 cup per serving and pair it with a big side salad. This helps you feel full without overdoing the carbs.

Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. They can give you personalized advice on making it work for you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cook your pasta al dente. It will keep cooking in the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft.

Use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor. It’s a great way to use up those tasty leftovers!

Don’t have cheddar? Try Swiss or Gruyere cheese instead. They pair well with ham.

For a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the Parmesan before broiling.

Make it ahead! You can prep this dish and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freeze individual portions for quick meals later. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try these mix-ins for variety:

• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped broccoli
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt can make all the difference!