Does Italian food differ from Italian American food?

Italian food and Italian-American food are both based on traditional Italian cuisine, but there are some differences between the two.

Italian food, also known as cucina italiana, is the traditional cuisine of Italy and is characterized by its simplicity, use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, and focus on regional specialties. Italian cuisine is known for its pasta dishes, pizza, seafood, and meats.

Italian-American food, on the other hand, is a fusion of traditional Italian cuisine and American cuisine. It is characterized by its hearty and rich dishes, often with a heavier use of cheese and meat, and a greater emphasis on sauce. Italian-American dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana are known for their large portions, which were created to feed the large Italian-American families.

Italian-American cuisine also has a different approach to seasoning, with an increased use of garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, which is different from the more delicate and subtle seasonings used in traditional Italian cuisine.

In summary, Italian food and Italian-American food share many similarities, but Italian-American food is often characterized by its heartier and heavier dishes and a different approach to seasoning. While traditional Italian cuisine emphasizes on simplicity and regional specialties, Italian-American cuisine is a fusion of traditional Italian cuisine with American cuisine.