Ham Tetrazzini

When it comes to comfort food, it’s hard to beat a plate of creamy, cheesy pasta baked to perfection. With its creamy, savory flavors, Tetrazzini checks all the comfort food boxes. Named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, the dish is traditionally made with turkey or chicken, but it can be easily adapted for a variety of ingredients, including ham. This rich, indulgent dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Recipe for Ham Tetrazzini

Ingredients:

• 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine (or your pasta of choice)
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesy goodness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook your spaghetti or linguine until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and any liquid has evaporated, around 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook until the flour is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

3. Add the Ham and Cheese

Stir in the diced ham, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the ham is heated through and the cheese is melted into the sauce.

4. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If you like an extra cheesy dish, mix in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar.

5. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the ham and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the Tetrazzini.

6. Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Let the Ham Tetrazzini cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Leftovers: Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the Tetrazzini up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just add the breadcrumb topping and bake.
• Variations: Substitute the ham for turkey, chicken, or even seafood like shrimp. Swap out the mushrooms for peas, spinach, or broccoli for added veggies. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Comforting Meals Start at The Butcher Shop

Ham Tetrazzini is a rich, comforting meal of creamy pasta and savory, smoky ham that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight – especially when you start at The Butcher Shop. With our smoked boneless and bone-in hams, you’re halfway to a hearty dinner. At TBS, all our meat is locally sourced from farms right here in Southern Oregon. You’ll always find the perfect cut of meat, freshest vegetables, specialty cheeses, wines and more. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.