Name: Ham Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 oz spaghetti; 3 quarts water; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp chopped onion; 1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup water; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced ham; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped pimento peppers

Creamy Ham Tetrazzini Recipe loaded with spaghetti, ham, cheddar, pimientos, and mushroom soup. Ready in 30 minutes for cozy, quick dinners!

I’m not gonna lie. Ham Tetrazzini wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. Actually, until a few years ago, I wasn’t even sure what it was. Sound familiar? I used to picture old-school potluck tables, those retro casseroles your aunt brought over in a floral dish that somehow stuck around in the fridge way too long.

But let me tell you what changed everything.

Picture this: It’s Tuesday. Work ran late. The kids (or dogs, or honestly… me) were hangry. I had leftover ham staring me down and not much else. No energy for something complicated, but I also wasn’t about to serve cereal again. That’s when I stumbled across a basic Ham Tetrazzini Recipe. Cheesy, creamy, quick? It checked all the boxes.

So I threw it together. And when I say threw, I mean very loosely followed the instructions while also texting my sister and half-watching Netflix. Fast-forward thirty minutes? Pure magic. The fam devoured it. No leftovers. Not even a stray noodle.

Now? This recipe’s on repeat. For lazy Sundays, frantic Wednesdays, or those “ugh, what’s for dinner” moments. And honestly… it feels a little like a secret weapon now.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Tetrazzini Recipe?

Look, there are recipes that impress. Then there are recipes that save. This is definitely the latter — and I’m here for it.

First off, it’s done in half an hour. That alone? Major points. Because let’s be honest, some nights you just want fast without sacrificing flavor. This Ham Tetrazzini is creamy and loaded with savory bits of ham and melted cheddar. It’s comforting without being heavy and somehow tastes like more effort than you actually put in. Win-win.

Also? It’s ridiculously versatile. Got leftover turkey? Swap it in. No cheddar? Use whatever cheese is in the fridge. Not feeling fancy? Skip the parsley and pimientos — though I do love the little pops of color they bring.

The best part? This recipe doesn’t ask much of you. No complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. Just simple, cozy food that makes people happy. And isn’t that what dinner’s supposed to be?

Ingredient Notes:

I could pretend this is super curated, but nah — this is pantry hero level cooking. Still, a few notes are worth mentioning.

Spaghetti: Use whatever pasta you’ve got. I’ve used linguine before. No one noticed.
Water + Salt: Don’t skip salting your pasta water. Otherwise? Bland city.
Butter: Just a tablespoon, but it makes those onions soft and buttery. Essential.
Onion: Fresh onion adds a little sweetness and flavor depth. You could skip it… but don’t.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Yep, canned. I’m not above shortcuts and neither should you be.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Makes it gooey and dreamy. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
Ham: Leftover ham is ideal, but diced deli ham also works in a pinch. Use what you have.
Parsley: Optional but nice for color and that hint of freshness.
Pimentos: Totally optional too — but they make it look like you tried harder.

How To Make Ham Tetrazzini?

Okay, so here’s how this usually goes in my kitchen — aka the real way to make Ham Tetrazzini.

Boil your spaghetti. Just until al dente — firm but not crunchy. Drain it and set it aside. Or if you’re like me and already have leftover pasta in the fridge? Skip that step and pat yourself on the back.
Next, melt some butter in a saucepan. Toss in your chopped onions and let them soften. Not brown, just soft. This takes about five minutes. Probably around the time you start scrolling Instagram and forget you’re cooking. (Guilty.)
Add the cream of mushroom soup and about ½ cup of water to the pan. Stir until smooth and heated through. Once it’s bubbling gently, stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt… so satisfying.
Now? Add everything else. Diced ham, cooked spaghetti, parsley, and those pimentos. Stir it all together until everything’s coated and warm and looks downright irresistible.
That’s literally it. No baking. No extra steps. You’re done. Serve it right away while that cheese is still all gooey and glorious.

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Storage Options:

This Ham Tetrazzini Recipe makes enough for about four people, but if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers? They store beautifully.

Just scoop it into a container, cover, and refrigerate. It’s good for 3-4 days. When ready, reheat gently. A splash of milk or water helps loosen it back up because, yes, pasta loves to soak up sauce overnight.

Freezing? Hmm. You can, but the texture might not stay creamy. If you’re not picky, go for it. Personally? I like it fresh or reheated within the week.

Variations and Substitutions:

You can totally make this Ham Tetrazzini Recipe your own. I do it all the time. Here’s how:

Different Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work if cheddar’s MIA.
Switch the Meat: Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken? Perfect swap.
Add Veggies: Toss in cooked peas, spinach, or broccoli to lighten it up.
Spice It Up: Crushed red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese add a kick.
Extra Creamy: Add a splash of cream or milk for a richer sauce.

No rules here. Just good food.

What to Serve with Ham Tetrazzini?

Ham Tetrazzini can totally fly solo. But if you wanna make dinner feel more like a meal, here’s what I usually do:

Salad: Something green to cut the richness.
Garlic Bread or Rolls: Because carbs. Always carbs.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans balance things out.
Fruit Salad: Sweet + savory = magic.
Wine: Optional, but pairs surprisingly well with creamy dishes.

Honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the pot with a big spoon. No judgment here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this really quick?
Oh yeah. About 30 minutes. Maybe less if you’ve got everything ready to roll.

Can I make it ahead?
Sure can. Make it, chill it, reheat when needed. Easy.

Is Ham Tetrazzini gluten-free?
Not exactly, but super easy to make it so. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free and make sure your soup is gluten-free too. Done!

And that’s pretty much it. The Ham Tetrazzini Recipe that totally surprised me, saved my Tuesday, and became part of my weeknight rotation without even asking for permission. Sometimes simple just wins, doesn’t it?

So, what’s your twist gonna be? Extra cheese? Spicy version? Or are you eating it straight outta the pot like I do when no one’s watching? Tell me — I’d love to know!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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