One of the highlights of Christmas Day is undoubtedly the abundance of leftovers that fill your fridge on Boxing Day. But if you’re tired of the usual festive sandwiches and fancy trying something a bit different, why not draw inspiration from a beloved Christmas romcom that’s enjoyed year after year?
The popular film The Holiday, featuring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, tells the story of two women from different parts of the globe who decide a change of scenery at Christmas is just what they need – so they swap homes, with one heading to Surrey and the other to sunny LA.
While in America, lonely Iris, portrayed by Kate Winslet, finds comfort in Jack Black’s character Miles and they spend Christmas Eve bonding over their relationship troubles. She decides to cook up a Christmas fettucine, the ultimate comfort food, which you can recreate at home using your festive leftovers.
The recipe was shared on TikTok by foodie content creator Lauren McDermott, who says the creamy pasta dish is packed with some festive favourites making it the perfect Boxing Day treat. From sprouts and bacon to wine and double cream, this recipe is the ideal way to make the most out of those Christmas dinner scraps.
Here’s everything that you need to make this recipe, which serves around three to four people, as reported by the Express.
The Holiday Christmas pasta
Ingredients
- 90g Fettuccine per person
- One red onion
- Four cloves of garlic
- 300g thick pancetta cubes or bacon lardons
- 300g shredded sprouts
- One glass of dry white wine
- 100ml double cream
- 50g finely grated Parmesan
- Large handful of chopped basil and parsley
Method
Finely dice a red onion and place in a pan with a good glug of olive oil and a good pinch of salt. Gently fry to soften but not colour.
Meanwhile, prepare the fettuccine in well-salted boiling water for two minutes less than the packet instructs. Add the pancetta to the onions and cook until the fat renders out.
Introduce the garlic, cook for another minute then add the sprouts. Cook for a few more minutes and pour in a glass of wine.
Stir it in, ensuring all the flavour from the bottom of the pan is incorporated. Add the cream and stir through the al dente pasta before adding in the grated parmesan along with a splash of pasta water.
Finish with the chopped herbs and serve immediately in large, warm bowls.