Italian American food and cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Old World Italian traditions and New World influences, shaped by generations of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. It embodies the rich culinary heritage of Italy while incorporating local ingredients and tastes.
Italian American food blogger and recipe creator Michele Di Pietro and I dove into the history of Italian American cuisine, and some of the cuisine's best known recipes.
Two important take-aways from our chat
Michele pointed out that when you modify traditional recipes, understand the rule before you break it.
In other words, when you make a traditional recipe like Italy's beloved Pasta Carbonara, make sure you understand the history of the recipe, and how to make the original before you decide to add your own tweaks.
A perfect example is my delicious Spaghetti Carbonara with Artichoke Wedges.
Michele also pointed out that Italian American Cuisine is its own cuisine. While many of the recipes are reminiscent of classic Italian food, they have evolved into their very own Italian American food, and cuisine. A perfect example is Chicken Parm.
About Italian American Cuisine
Staples like pasta, pizza, and tomato sauce remain central, but variations and adaptations have emerged, reflecting regional American cuisines.
Italian American food and dishes often feature hearty portions and bold flavors, with ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and cheese taking prominence. Classics like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan ("Parm"), and lasagna are beloved comfort foods, while seafood dishes like Shrimp Scampi and Lobster Fra Diavolo showcase Italian-American creativity. Italian American cuisine is not just about food—it's about family, community, and celebration, with meals often serving as occasions for gathering and sharing cherished traditions. Today, Italian American cuisine continues to evolve, influenced by both culinary innovations and a deep-rooted respect for heritage.
Different dishes hold significance for various individuals and communities. However, some iconic Italian American food has made a substantial impact on American cuisine and culture.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs
This classic Italian American comfort food combines al dente spaghetti with savory meatballs and tomato sauce. While meatballs themselves have Italian origins, the pairing with spaghetti and marinara (tomato) sauce became popularized in Italian American communities, symbolizing hearty, family-style dining.
Pizza
Italian immigrants introduced pizza to America, and it quickly became a beloved staple of American cuisine. Italian American pizza, with its thin crust, tomato sauce, and generous toppings like mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (thinly sliced hot sausage), has evolved into countless variations, reflecting regional tastes across the United States.
Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parm)
Breaded and fried chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, Chicken Parmesan is a quintessential Italian American dish. Its hearty flavors and comforting appeal have made it a favorite in homes and restaurants across the country, embodying the fusion of Italian and American culinary traditions.
These dishes not only represent the culinary contributions of Italian immigrants but also showcase the adaptability and creativity that define Italian American cuisine.
More about Italian American Cuisine
Italian American Cuisine Wikipedia
Italian American HuffPost
Italian American Recipes
Italian Wedding Soup:
N.Y. Times
Nonna Box - Italian Wedding Soup History
Minestra Maritata, Luciano Pignataro
Some classic Italian American Foods
Marinara Sauce
Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce
Chicken/Veal Parmigiana
Angel Hair Pasta or Capellini
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Garlic Bread
Baked Ziti
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Cioppino
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Pepperoni (spicy salame)
Italian Salad Dressing
Creamy Carbonara
Veal Marsala
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Nice post Wendy. Some elitists (not me...heaven forbid) look down their noses at the fusion of the two. All cultures, upon arriving in a new country end up adapting their traditional recipes to suit what's available to them. While I prefer my meatballs served separately for the spaghetti primo, most probably don't. I prefer to savor each component on it's own without distractions of many other things on the plate while in N. America mostly everything is served on the same plate at the same time. American-Italian has it's place in the history of those immigrant arrivals.
I learned a lot doing this podcast episode and blog post and came to the realization that Italian American cuisine truly is its own cuisine and needs to be respected for that.
Living here in Italy, where fabulous produce is in abundance, I tend to lean more towards a Mediterranean Italian cuisine that's vegetable focused with an emphasis on minimal ingredients. And like everything in Italy each dish including the side dish is served separately.