Spaghetti Delight
A hearty, cheesy spaghetti dish with ham, perfect for family dinners. Creamy, savory flavors combine to create comfort food loved by all age groups.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until almost tender.
- Add American cheese to the cooked spaghetti to melt.
- Add water from the can of chicken soup to the soup to dilute it.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti and melted cheese with the ham.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or onions before mixing in the spaghetti and ham. If you don't have American cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. You can also use leftover ham from your holiday meals to reduce waste. This recipe is a great way to repurpose ingredients and create a comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti Delight is best enjoyed warm, and you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a light soup like Mushroom Chicken Barley Soup for added comfort. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Delight contains roughly 249 calories, with 16g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2345mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it’s cooked al dente before mixing with the cheese and ham.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Replace the ham with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use a vegetable-based soup for extra flavor and maintain the creamy texture with a cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes when combining the spaghetti with cheese and ham. You could also serve it with a spicy marinara sauce on the side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).