Many Italian Dishes do not exist in Italy. How is that possible you ask? Welcome to the deliciously deceptive world of American-Italian cuisine! Grab a fork and a sense of humor because we’re diving into the tasty twists on traditional Italian dishes that have become staples in the U.S. but might cause a funny look if you were to ask them in any Italian trattoria.
Fettuccine Alfredo
In Italy, if you ask for Fettuccine Alfredo, you might be met with a puzzled look. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish that graces nearly every American Italian restaurant menu actually originated from a Roman restaurant owner who whipped up Pasta al Burro for his pregnant wife. The American version has turned it up a notch (or ten) with heaps of heavy cream and piles of parmesan. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it’s decidedly not Italian! And if you do find it, RUN, it’s a tourist trap!
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is as American as apple pie! While you can find a pizza with pepperoni in Italy, it’s not the classic choice. In fact, peperoni with one p in Italy will get you a bell pepper pizza. The American pepperoni is a spicier, softer sausage that crisps up beautifully and is a staple in every pizzeria from coast to coast. In Italy, more traditional toppings reign supreme, making the American love affair with pepperoni uniquely ours. You can either get a taste of Roman-style pizza on our Pizza and Gelato Tasting Tour or take the matter into your own hands and learn to make it in Pizza and Dessert Cooking Class.
Garlic Bread
Bread, butter, garlic, and herbs — what’s not to love? Garlic bread as we know it, with its buttery goodness and garlic punch, accompanied by a sprinkle of herbs, is actually an American invention. In Italy, you might be served bruschetta or a simple garlic rub on toasted bread, but the butter-laden garlic bread is a product of American kitchens.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Oh, spaghetti and meatballs, how you’ve defined Italian cuisine in every American child’s mind! Surprisingly, this iconic dish is almost non-existent in Italy. Meatballs, or polpette, are typically eaten on their own. Combining them with spaghetti and a mountain of marinara sauce is a purely American innovation.
Chicken Parmesan
While Parmigiana traditionally involves layers of sliced eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese in Italy, the American version swaps in breaded chicken cutlets. You will never find this anywhere in Italy.
Now you know! It may come as a culture shock if you had no idea… but yes, there are many American-Italian dishes that we in Italy have never heard of. The great thing, you have so much to explore, taste, and experiment.
Remember that there is no such thing as Italian food, everything is regional! So study what to eat in each of the Italian cities you are visiting! And if you are heading to Rome, Florence or Venice…we have created some unique food tours, wine tastings and cooking classes for you to fully immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle!