10 world-famous Italian dishes... that aren't Italian

These recipes are served everywhere in the world, and so many people consider them to originate in Italy, although this is not actually the case, with very rare exceptions. The dishes in question are simply inspired by traditional Italian recipes or include ingredients that, in the original preparation, should not be there, although in some cases the taste is still appreciable. Here are some of the most famous dishes in the world thought to be typical of traditional Italian gastronomy, although they are not at all!

The fettuccine Alfredo, made with butter and Parmesan cheese, were invented in 1908 by the Italian restaurateur Alfredo Di Lelio, but in fact today they are almost exclusively popular outside Italy, especially in Italian-American restaurants in the United States. Sometimes, fettuccine Alfredo are served with other ingredients such as chicken or mushrooms, but these are not included in the original recipe.

In Italy there are many recipes involving the combination of pasta, meat and sauce, however, spaghetti with meatballs, served on top of the pasta itself, is definitely not part of the Italian culinary tradition.

Also known as "Hawaiian", pizza with pineapple is repudiated by most Italians. Nevertheless, this pizza, served with pineapple and to taste with bacon, mushrooms or peppers, is now popular all over the world, and even some "braver" restaurateurs in Italy have tried to include it on their menus.

In front of a plate of pasta seasoned with ketchup every Italian might shiver! In many countries this is passed off as an Italian recipe-nothing could be more untrue, although it seems that its consumption is sharply declining worldwide.

You will never find this recipe in Italy, unless you are in a restaurant that offers a menu tailored for tourists from abroad. Again, that pasta with chicken is an Italian dish is just a false myth.

This sauce has a link to Italy, as it is loosely inspired by the 'marinara pizza' sauce. Made with tomatoes, celery, carrots, garlic and onions, this sauce is served as an accompaniment for various dishes, especially in Italian-American cuisine. In some variants, marinara sauce also includes the addition of capers and olives.

Despite its name, Italian dressing is virtually unknown throughout Italy. According to tradition, this sauce composed of vinegar or lemon, salt, pepper and sugar originated in 1941 in an Italian-American family that prepared dressings for salads served in the family restaurant. In addition to being a salad dressing, Italian dressing is sometimes used to marinate meat and vegetables.

The garlic bread involves a very heavy use of garlic and butter, with probably excessive doses for Italian culinary tradition. Nevertheless, garlic bread is highly valued for its strong flavor, especially in the United States and Australia.

This recipe is inspired by an Italian dish, aubergine parmigiana. The chicken version, however, did not originate in Italy, but rather in the United States in the early 20th century. This dish has several variations: the Australian version, for example, is usually accompanied by fries and salad.

Never tell an Italian that spaghetti alla carbonara are made with cream! In fact, the original recipe calls for the use of guanciale, pecorino romano, eggs, salt and pepper. Any other ingredient, such as cream, onion or mushrooms, is just the result of experimentation or innovation and is not part of the real recipe.