Do Italians Actually Eat Spaghetti and Meatballs?

We eat spaghetti as a first course and meatballs as a second one.

Common Misconceptions

While the idea of spaghetti with meatballs is not uncommon in international cuisine, it is a myth that Italians frequently indulge in this combination. I have been absent for a few months, yet the same questions persist. It is true that we don't always eat pasta with meatballs - in fact, I've only had it once, about 15 years ago.

Despite this, pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine; it is culturally significant, with hundreds of different pasta dishes to choose from. We often enjoy pasta at home, but the combination of spaghetti with meatballs is less common in everyday meals.

Americans and their Influence

Spaghetti with meatballs is an American invention, inspired by the Italian cuisine, particularly that of Sicily. A classic example from Palermo is anelletti al forno con polpette, which features round pasta shaped into balls and baked with meat.

Many people wonder if Italians eat pasta with meatballs. Indeed, they do; it is traditional and almost every region has its own unique dish. One of the most popular today is pasta al forno con le polpettine, a baked pasta with little meatballs that is particularly beloved by children. In some regions, meatballs are also included in lasagna.

However, pasta and meatballs are not the preferred choice for everyday meals in Italy due to factors such as time, digestive concerns, and calorie content. In many families, they might prefer simpler ingredients like ragù Bolognese or finely chopped meat.

Southern Italy and Beyond

In Southern Italy, pasta and meatballs are not as unfamiliar as they are in the northern parts of the country. For example, in Sicily, some families, particularly in places like Modica, might enjoy pasta that is accompanied by meatballs. This dish, called pasta che Paddunedda, is a traditional broth dish featuring both pasta and meatballs.

Italian-American cuisine has been influential in popularizing the spaghetti and meatballs combination, but it is rooted in a traditional Southern Italian dish with smaller meatballs. In Italy, pasta dishes with meatballs have not gained widespread popularity, which explains why such combinations are less common in regular Italian households.

If you are curious about trying a variation, you could definitely give pasta with ricotta cheese balls a try; it offers a delicious alternative to traditional meatball pasta.