Festive twists on classic dishes are a culinary gamble, often landing somewhere between inspired and ill-advised. So, when Prezzo unveiled its Christmas special menu on TikTok, promising Italian favourites with a holiday makeover, our curiosity was piqued. Could a Christmas carbonara possibly work?
A Festive Pasta Conversion
The journey began with a degree of scepticism. As someone who typically avoids UK Italian restaurants in favour of the authentic experience a short flight away, the promise of a 'Christmas carbonara' raised an eyebrow. The dish described on the menu, however, was impossible to ignore: "Spaghetti in a creamy sauce with roast turkey, sausage stuffing, and garnished with pigs in blankets and crispy sage stuffing."
For reporter Danielle Kate Wroe, who sampled the dish on 1st December 2025, it prompted a personal revelation. Once a carbonara avoider who found the traditional version too rich and Parmesan-heavy, her adult taste buds were now ready for the challenge. The festive mash-up, blending the essence of a Christmas dinner with pasta, sounded like a risk worth taking.
Breaking with Tradition for Festive Flavour
Purists should note this is no traditional carbonara. A quick check of the allergens revealed milk is present, indicating the inclusion of dairy cream, a departure from the classic Roman method where eggs alone create the sauce's silkiness. Furthermore, you'd be hard-pressed to find pigs in blankets or turkey in a Roman trattoria.
But as a seasonal special, the rules are made to be broken. The proof, as they say, was in the pudding—or in this case, the pasta. Upon arrival, the aroma was immediately enticing. The first forkful delivered a surprising and delightful impact. The flavour was powerful and nostalgic, simultaneously evoking memories of past Christmases through the turkey and stuffing, while echoing the comforting, savoury notes of a well-made carbonara.
The addition of lashings of Parmesan on top elevated the experience further. Crucially, the dish was perfectly seasoned, requiring no extra salt or pepper—a sure sign of a kitchen that knows its craft.
Verdict and Festive Feasting Potential
Judged on its own merits as a delicious, festive pasta creation, the Christmas carbonara was declared a resounding success. The experience was so positive that a return visit during the holiday season is already being planned.
This discovery also highlights Prezzo's potential as a cost-effective Christmas party venue. The chain offers a three-course festive menu for under £30, with the option to add bottomless prosecco, wine, and beer for an additional £21.95 per person. For colleagues or friends looking to celebrate the season without breaking the bank, it presents a compelling option.
In conclusion, Prezzo's Christmas carbonara is a festive experiment that pays off. It successfully merges two beloved culinary worlds into a single, flavour-packed plate that is likely to surprise and delight those willing to embrace a little holiday culinary fusion.
