Why do Americans pronounce the word 'pasta' in such a strange way?

Given the apparent influence of Italian-Americans on American culture it really seems to be a linguistic oddity.

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Really · 80-89, M

I think people pronounce words of foreign origin oddly because they want to sound sophisticated but don't know how. I find the American way of saying 'parmesan' especially cringe worthy - sounds something like 'Pahwrmeszahwwn'.

Here's an entertaining primer on pronunciation of some Italian words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVZIvy5cz8o

I love telling people I grow the tomato variety "Principe Borghese'