I love the holidays, but sometimes there's too much leftover food. What I like to do is to repurpose the food and create new recipes from the leftovers. This recipe for Easy Creamy Ham Tetrazzini is just that. This pasta dinner has a velvety sauce, leftover ham and spaghetti pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect dinner!
I love repurposing leftovers. Some of my other favorites include Ham Mac and Cheese, Creamy Ham Tetrazzini, Cheesy Ham and Peas Tortellini, and Ham and Peas Penne Pasta.
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What is Ham Tetrazzini
Despite the name, tetrazzini is an American pasta dish with roots in San Francisco. It was named after an Italian opera star in the early 1900s. Tetrazzini is comprised of diced protein (chicken, ham, turkey, mushrooms, tuna) in a creamy cheese sauce. It's served with noodle shaped pasta, though there is no specific pasta variety for this dish.
Ham Tetrazzini is a classic comfort food. It is akin to a classic diner recipe. It's also known as a cost efficient recipe as the ingredients are typically low cost and this is a good recipe for using leftovers.
How to use leftover ham
Easy Creamy Ham Tetrazzini can use up a good amount of your leftover ham. Ham on the bone will be easiest to use. Removed meat from the bone, then cube into small ½ inch cubes.
If using spiral cut ham, cut ham off the bone, then slice into strips.
If using Ham Steak remove the bone and slice the meat into cube shaped portions.
Either variety can be used in this recipe, however for either cut omit and dried or hardened portions of the hame from this recipe.
What to do if you don't have leftovers
If you are making this at a time of year where you don't have leftovers on hand, substitute the leftover ham with a ham steak. Ham steaks can be found at most grocery stores and are fairly inexpensive. Heat ham steak on both sides until warmed though in a large pan. Let cool slightly, remove the bone portion, then cut into cubes.
What to use instead of ham
Sometimes you just don't have ham on hand but you can substitute it for another add in:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Mushrooms
- Tuna
- Tofu
- Seitan
Ingredients Needed
- Spaghetti
- Butter
- Chicken Stock
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Onion
- Parsley (optional)
- Ham
- Peas
- Cheddar Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Stock Pot
- Saute Pan
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
Storage
If making from scratch with fresh ingredients, the Ham Tetrazzini can be stored in an air tight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.
If using leftovers for this recipe, the storage time is shortened. When using leftovers, store in an airtight container for 1-2 days in the fridge.
If freezing, Ham Tetrazzini can be stored in an air tight container in the freezer for up to a month. This recipe can be reheated in the microwave by using the defrost function or on the stovetop in a saucepan on low.
Easy Creamy Ham Tetrazzini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 Oz Spaghetti
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- ½ Cup Onion Diced
- 10 Oz Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 ½ Cups Ham Diced
- 1 Cup Peas
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Melt butter over medium heat and add onions. Cook onions until softened and translucent.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup and milk until fully incorporated. Add ham, peas and cheeses. Bring to a simmer and cook until ham is warmed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta and toss to coat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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About Michelle
Hello! I'm Michelle Boulé. I'm a photography nerd, cat mom and all around foodie. Join me in making some of my favorite comfort foods!
Elizabeth says
This was delicious! Easy and quick dinners are a lifesaver during the week, thanks for a winner!
Aimee Mars says
I've only ever had chicken tetrazzini and ham sounds way more decadent. I can't wait to try this recipe. I know my family will love it.
Jamie says
I'm always looking for ways to use leftover ham so this is perfect! Lovely sauce and great flavors.
rika says
The creamy sauce is just perfect! I think it will taste great with chicken as well.
Chichi | AirFryerYum.com says
My goodness! This Tetrazzini looks so yummy! The ham wraps it all up for me. Yum!