Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. This slow-cooked Ham Tetrazzini is your ticket to a mouthwatering dinner that practically cooks itself! Perfect for busy families, lazy weekends, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Italian-inspired comfort food will become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 8 ounces of spaghetti, 2 cups of diced cooked ham, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup of peas. Set aside.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the diced ham, sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and peas. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Break the spaghetti into halves or thirds and add it to the slow cooker. This will help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness from the ham and broth, so adjust accordingly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for about 4 hours. This slow cooking will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- After 4 hours, check the spaghetti for doneness. It should be tender and fully cooked. If needed, you can let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and is well incorporated into the dish. This will add a creamy texture and richness.
- Serve the Ham Teterazzini hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cooked ham and fresh mushrooms for the best flavor profile.
- Break Spaghetti Strategically: Breaking pasta into smaller pieces helps it cook evenly in the slow cooker and makes serving easier.
- Watch the Salt: Since ham and chicken broth are naturally salty, add salt sparingly and taste before final seasoning.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Don't Overcook: Check pasta at the 4-hour mark to prevent it from becoming mushy. Every slow cooker is slightly different.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions before serving for extra freshness and color.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
