Italian American Delights: 6 Dishes You Won't Find in Italy

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delectable flavors and rich culinary traditions. Yet, what many Americans don't realize is that some of the most beloved Italian dishes in the United States are virtually absent from the menus of Italy itself. In this blog post, we'll explore six Italian American classics that might surprise you by their absence in Italy.

1. Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)

1. Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)

Chicken Parmesan, a staple of Italian American restaurants, is a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. While Italy certainly appreciates chicken in various forms, this dish is notably absent from Italian menus. When Italian immigrants settled in the United States, they adapted their culinary traditions to the ingredients available in their new home, and chicken was more readily available and affordable than other meats.

2. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a quintessential Italian American comfort food. Although the meatballs are cooked in the sauce to give it flavor, the pasta is served separately and the meatballs are typically served on their own as a separate dish, called Polpette. The combination of the two into one dish is not a common practice.

3. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread, a beloved side dish in Italian American cuisine, is rarely encountered in Italy. While bread is a fundamental part of Italian meals, it is usually served plain or with olive oil, without the heavy garlic spread often found in Italian American restaurants. The closest thing you’ll find in Italy is its cousin, the bruschetta. A “garlic bread” topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil.

4. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo, creamy and indulgent, is a pasta dish synonymous with Italian American dining. However, you'd be hard-pressed to find it on an Italian menu. While Italy offers a plethora of creamy pasta dishes, Fettuccine Alfredo, as we know it, is a uniquely Italian American dish. Born in Rome, Italy, it was brought back to the US by Hollywood stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in the 1920s. If you’re looking to satisfy your craving while in Rome, the birthplace of Fettuccine Alfredo “Alfredo alla Scrofa” is still standing – possibly the only place in Italy you’ll find this item on a menu!

5. Pepperoni Pizza

The iconic Pepperoni Pizza, with its spicy sausage topping, is a beloved pizza variety in the United States. However, in Italy, you'll be hard-pressed to find "pepperoni" as we know it. The term "peperoni" in Italian refers to bell peppers, not the spicy sausage topping found on American pizzas. If you're looking for a spicy pizza in Italy, try one with spicy salami (salame piccante) instead – often called a “diavola”.

6. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting Italian American dish featuring meatballs and leafy greens in a flavorful broth. While Italy has a rich tradition of soups, this specific combination of ingredients in a single dish is not a common Italian practice. Each component might be found in separate dishes, but the marriage of meatballs, greens, and broth is a unique Italian American creation.

Why the Discrepancy?

These culinary differences stem from the adaptations made by Italian immigrants to the United States. Italian Americans creatively adapted traditional Italian recipes to suit the ingredients available in their new homeland. The result was the birth of unique Italian American dishes that have since become iconic.

Embracing the Delicious Divide

While you won't find these dishes in Italy, they have become cherished classics in Italian American culture. They reflect the fusion of Italian culinary heritage with American innovation, offering a delicious twist on traditional Italian recipes.

So, the next time you enjoy Chicken Parmesan, indulge in Spaghetti and Meatballs, savor a slice of Pepperoni Pizza, or warm up with Italian Wedding Soup, appreciate the delightful surprises that come from the crossroads of culture and cuisine. These Italian American dishes are a testament to the culinary creativity of immigrants who, while adapting to a new world, added their own flavorful chapters to the story of Italian cuisine.

Buon appetito!