Forget turkey with all the trimmings – this year, Christmas dinner comes on a plate of pasta.
Bella Italia has unveiled its festive menu, and the star of the show is a Christmas Carbonara piled high with pigs in blankets.
The chain’s signature creamy Carbonara gets a seasonal makeover, topped with crispy sage, pigs in blankets and a sage and onion stuffing crumb.
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But it’s not the only dish bringing Christmas dinner and Italian comfort food together.
Pizza fans can tuck into the Christmas Camembert Pizza, which features a tomato base, melted mozzarella, pulled chicken, pancetta and cranberry sauce.
It’s then finished with crispy sage and a whole oozy Camembert in the middle.
For something a little more refined, the Truffle and Pumpkin Ravioli sees pumpkin-filled pasta parcels tossed in truffle oil, white wine and a cheese cream sauce, finished with roasted chestnut mushrooms and rocket.
The festive sides lean firmly into the pigs in blankets trend too.
As well as a standalone portion of crispy mini sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, diners can order Christmas
Loaded Fries smothered in gravy, pigs in blankets and sage and onion stuffing.
Guests can also add pigs in blankets and stuffing to any pasta dish they fancy.
For dessert, the Mince Pie Cheesecake combines two Christmas favourites.
Baked vanilla cheesecake is topped with mince pie pieces and drizzled with salted caramel sauce, then served with vanilla gelato.
The drinks menu gets a festive shake-up as well.
The Snowman Lemon Float mixes Di Capri Limoncello Crema and lemon sorbet, topped with Prosecco and a sprig of rosemary.
Meanwhile, the Mulled Spritz puts a wintry spin on the classic, blending Malfy con Arancia Gin, Aperol,
Prosecco and soda with mulled spices.
There’s also a Limoncello Cheesecake Spritz, made with Absolut Vanilia Vodka, limoncello and lemonade with a caramelised biscuit flavour, and a Gingerbread Latte for anyone after something cosy.
A Bella Italia spokesperson said: “Christmas is all about coming together, sharing delicious food and making special memories with the people you love, and that’s exactly what we wanted to celebrate with our new festive menu.
“We’ve taken some of our guests’ favourite Italian dishes and given them a playful Christmas twist, from our creamy Carbonara piled high with pigs in blankets to our indulgent Camembert Pizza and delicious Mince Pie Cheesecake.
“Whether you’re planning a festive catch-up with friends, a family celebration or simply fancy treating yourself to something special, we can’t wait to welcome guests in and share a little extra Christmas magic around the table.”
The festive menu is available at Bella Italia restaurants nationwide. For more information, visit www.bellaitalia.co.uk.
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