14 American-Italian Dishes That Are Unapologetically Not from Italy

ByBella B

American-Italian dishes have a way of turning ordinary dinners into something special. They blend rich flavors and simple ingredients to create meals everyone loves. These dishes can be quick enough for weeknights or leisurely enough for a weekend feast. They make it easy to impress without stress. Each dish delivers warmth, flavor, and a little touch of indulgence.

Baked shrimp with breadcrumb topping in a white dish, surrounded by lemon wedges, bread slices, grated cheese, herbs, and tableware on a blue tiled surface.
Shrimp Oreganata. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mostaccioli

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with penne, tomato sauce, ground meat, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Mostaccioli. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Enjoy a hearty Mostaccioli bake that combines soft pasta, savory Italian sausage, and layers of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. Bold herbs and garlic make every bite flavorful and satisfying. This pasta casserole is simple to assemble and comes out of the oven hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Get the Recipe: Mostaccioli

Chicken Parmesan Subs

Close-up of chicken parmesan subs cut in half, revealing breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese inside a bun, with shredded cheese sprinkled around on the plate.
Chicken Parmesan Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whip up a tasty Chicken Parmesan Sub in just 30 minutes for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Juicy chicken, melted parmesan, and rich marinara blend with Italian-seasoned breading for a classic flavor. Serve these sandwiches hot for the ultimate comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Subs

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

A black pan filled with rigatoni pasta, shredded meat, spinach, grated cheese, and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings together ground Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich cream sauce for a flavor-packed meal. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for cozy nights or entertaining friends. Every bite delivers savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Shrimp Francese

A skillet of Shrimp Francese with lemon slices and parsley, surrounded by bread, lemon, and fresh herbs on a table.
Shrimp Francese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Golden shrimp meet a luscious lemon and butter sauce in this classic Italian-American favorite. The shrimp stay tender inside a light, crispy coating while the sauce adds a fresh, zesty flavor that shines in every bite. Quick, easy, and elegant, this skillet recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Francese

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A bowl of pesto tortellini pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella sits on a marble surface.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad bursts with fresh flavor and vibrant color. Tender cheese tortellini combines with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto for a satisfying meal. It comes together quickly and works perfectly for summer gatherings, make-ahead lunches, or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

A sandwich roll filled with shredded beef, melted cheese, sliced carrots, and pickled peppers on a wooden surface.
Slow Cooker Italian Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is rich, flavorful, and melts in your mouth. It tastes amazing on toasted rolls or hoagie buns for a hearty, satisfying meal. Once you try it, your family will keep asking for it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Easy Stromboli

An Italian stromboli filled with a delicious combination of ham and pepperoni rests on a rustic wooden cutting board.
Easy Stromboli. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Easy Stromboli recipe combines cheesy, savory, and authentic Italian flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for shaking up pizza night or serving as a tasty appetizer. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how impressive it looks on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Stromboli

Italian Love Cake

A square slice of layered chocolate and vanilla cake with chocolate frosting sits on a stack of plates next to a glass of milk.
Italian Love Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian Love Cake is a decadent treat with layers of chocolate cake, ricotta, and smooth pudding topping. The oven flips the cake and cheese layers, giving every bite a perfect balance of soft cake and rich filling. After chilling, a creamy chocolate pudding and whipped topping complete this classic Italian-American dessert.
Get the Recipe: Italian Love Cake

Chicken Riggies

A pan filled with rigatoni pasta, chicken pieces, red sauce, sliced bell peppers, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Riggies combine tender chicken with a rich tomato cream sauce and a touch of heat from cherry peppers. Every bite bursts with bold, comforting flavor that makes this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With an easy homemade sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies

Cioppino

A bowl of seafood stew with shrimp, mussels, and herbs is served with toasted bread, lemon wedges, and a glass of white wine on a table.
Cioppino. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American seafood stew that delivers the fresh taste of the ocean in every bite. Packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, and white fish in a garlicky tomato and wine broth, it feels both comforting and luxurious. Serve it with crusty sourdough bread to soak up all the savory flavors for a meal that impresses every time.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino

Manicotti

Baked manicotti pasta stuffed with spinach and cheese, topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh herbs in a white rectangular baking dish.
Manicotti. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy cheese and spinach fill each Manicotti tube, while a sweet and tangy marinara sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. This Italian-American favorite is bursting with bold, comforting flavors. It makes a delicious centerpiece for any dinner, whether simple or special.
Get the Recipe: Manicotti

Shrimp Oreganata

Baked shrimp with breadcrumb topping in a white dish, surrounded by lemon wedges, bread slices, grated cheese, herbs, and tableware on a blue tiled surface.
Shrimp Oreganata. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Shrimp Oreganata is a flavorful Italian-American favorite with bright lemon and garlic notes. Butterflied shrimp get a crisp, golden topping of breadcrumbs, oregano, Parmesan, and butter that adds a perfect crunch. Every bite blends tender, juicy shrimp with buttery, zesty flavor that feels like dining in an Italian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Oreganata

Steak Marsala

Two pieces of steak covered with brown mushroom sauce and garnished with herbs in a large enameled skillet—perfect for those seeking flavourful beef recipes.
Steak Marsala. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Treat yourself to a special dinner with Steak Marsala that is both easy and impressive. Tender steak, mushrooms, and a luxurious wine-based sauce create a satisfying, elegant meal. Round it out with mashed potatoes or bread to capture every drop of the creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Steak Marsala

Chicken Scarpariello

Close-up of a skillet with cooked chicken thighs, sausages, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs—perfect inspiration for chicken thigh recipes—with a small bowl of tomatoes on the side.
Chicken Scarpariello. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy chicken meets savory sausage and vibrant peppers in this bold and comforting Chicken Scarpariello. The mix of garlic, rosemary, and white wine creates a rich, flavorful sauce that makes every bite memorable. Enjoy it alongside potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scarpariello