Explore the rich tradition of Italian-American food, from lasagna to cannoli, and unlock their delicious secrets.
Italian-American Food vs. Italian Food
Italian-American food and Italian food are both rich in flavor but vary distinctly. Italian-American cuisine has evolved, blending traditional Italian recipes with local ingredients and American tastes. It often showcases heavier sauces, more meat, and larger portions.
Conversely, authentic Italian food is remarkably regional, relies on fresh, local produce, and embodies simplicity. Comparing these cuisines uncovers the intriguing journey of Italian gastronomy in the American landscape.
21 Italian-American Foods to Try at Home
All-American Eggplant Parmesan
Slices of breaded and fried eggplant layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato sauce.
Basic Ragù Bolognese
Noteworthy and celebrated meat sauce made with ground beef, pork, and veal, commonly used with pasta.
Baked Ziti With Two Mozzarellas and Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ziti pasta baked with two types of mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce.
Chicken Cacciatore With Red Peppers, Tomato, and Onion
Chicken cooked with tomato, peppers, and onions creates a flavorful dish.
Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms and Shallots
Chicken cooked with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and shallots, resulting in a savory dish.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken cutlets breaded and fried, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
Chicken Piccata
Breaded chicken cutlets topped with a lemony butter sauce flavored with capers.
Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken thighs and sausage cooked with a pickling liquid from cherry peppers, giving it a sweet-and-sour flavor.
Classic Italian-American Stuffed Shells With Ricotta and Spinach
Pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta served with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
Easy Roasted-Garlic Focaccia
Fluffy, moist, and chewy focaccia bread with roasted garlic.
Juicy and Tender Italian-American Meatballs
Moist and flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, pork, pancetta, and buttermilk.
Lighter Fettuccine Alfredo
A lighter version of the classic fettuccine Alfredo, using a touch of cream and an egg-cornstarch mixture for a lighter texture.
No-Boil Baked Ziti
Ziti noodles are soaked in hot water, mixed with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, then baked to perfection.
No-Holds-Barred Lasagna Bolognese
A rich lasagna dish with layers of meaty Bolognese sauce, a nutmeg-scented white sauce, Parmesan, and creamy ricotta.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta dish featuring spring vegetables like asparagus, broccolini, fava beans, and peas in a crème fraîche sauce.
Rich and Creamy Saffron Arancini With Mozzarella
Golden-fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and flavored with saffron-infused béchamel sauce.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs.
Shrimp Scampi With Garlic, Herbs, and Red Pepper Flakes
Shrimp cooked in a silky butter sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon, and herbs.
Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti
Pasta tubes filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese served with sauce and melted mozzarella.
The Best Chicken Parmesan
Chicken breasts soaked in a garlic-spiked buttermilk brine, breaded with Parmesan and bread crumbs, and topped with homemade red sauce.
Vodka Cream Sauce
Pasta sauce made with crushed tomatoes, vodka, and cream, providing a pleasant heat and bite to balance the flavors.
Which Italian Foods Were Invented in the USA?
Several “Italian” foods we love were actually invented in the USA. This leads to the question, “Is pizza Italian food or American?” The answer is both. Authentic Italian pizza features a thin crust, simple toppings, and a wood-fired preparation.
However, American-style pizza, with its thicker crust and diverse toppings, was developed in the US by Italian immigrants. Other US inventions include spaghetti and meatballs, Italian-American-style lasagna, and the iconic Italian beef sandwich.
- Deep-dish Pizza: The deep-dish pizza, known for its high edges and ample cheese and sauce, was invented in Chicago in the 1940s.
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: While spaghetti and meatballs are individually recognized in Italian cuisine, the combination of the two is distinctly Italian-American.
- Chicken and Veal Parmesan: In Italy, eggplant parmesan is typical, but substituting eggplant with chicken or veal is a US invention.
- Italian Beef Sandwich: This sandwich originated in Chicago, filled with thin slices of roast beef simmered with Italian-style spices and served on an Italian roll.
- Italian-American Lasagna: While traditional Italian lasagna uses bechamel sauce and a ragu of meat, the Italian-American version often includes more cheese (especially ricotta) and a tomato-based sauce.
- Pepperoni Pizza: Pepperoni as a topping was conceived in America and has since become the most popular pizza topping in the United States.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread, made by toasting bread with butter and garlic, is not traditional in Italy but is a staple in many Italian-American households and restaurants.
Dishes That Sound Italian but Aren’t!
Angel Hair Pasta or Capellini
In Italy, this delicate pasta finds its home primarily within comforting bowls of soup rather than draped in thick sauces.
Cioppino
This delicious contribution to Italian-American cuisine hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a mouthwatering seafood stew brimming with various oceanic delights; all simmered to perfection in a hearty tomato-based sauce, typically enjoyed with a side of crusty bread.
New York Pizza
Here, the question arises: “Is pizza Italian food or American?” The answer can be found in this extra-large, thin-crusted creation adorned with fresh tomatoes and grated mozzarella. This icon of Italian-American food is typically sold by the slice, making it the perfect on-the-go meal.
Summary
Embracing the hearty portions, robust flavors, and regional variations of Italian-American food offers a captivating culinary adventure. As we’ve explored, it’s a cuisine that intertwines tradition with innovation, giving birth to new classics.
Whether a connoisseur or a casual diner, exploring this rich gastronomic landscape offers a chance to appreciate Italian-American cuisine’s shared history and evolving future.
Keeping to our Italian-American theme, why not check out our articles on Italian-American clubs and the five best Italian-American festivals?
Ciao!
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