Keto-friendly, gluten-free, and fragrant, this Italian wedding soup is loaded with tender chicken meatballs and only 3 grams net carbs per serving.
What Is Italian Wedding Soup
You may have seen Italian wedding soup on restaurant menus and wondered about the name. The defining feature of this soup is the combination of meatballs and leafy greens in a savory broth. The term “wedding” doesn’t refer to a ceremony; it represents the marriage of flavors and textures. In Italian it’s called “minestra maritata,” which translates to “married soup.”
Traditional versions pair small meatballs with leafy greens like escarole, spinach, or kale. This keto-friendly take keeps that classic pairing while cutting carbs and removing breadcrumbs from the meatballs.
Keto Italian Wedding Soup
This recipe preserves the comforting meatball-and-greens combination in a light, flavorful broth while staying low-carb and gluten-free. Instead of breadcrumbs, the meatballs rely on grated Parmesan and an egg to hold them together, giving them great texture and flavor without added carbs.
If you need a time-saver, prepare the meatballs ahead or use keto-friendly frozen chicken meatballs. The soup is hearty enough for lunch or dinner and reheats very well.
Keto Wedding Soup
This makes an excellent meal-prep recipe. As it chills in the refrigerator, the herbs and seasonings deepen the flavor of the meatballs and broth. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to three days—mason jars work especially well for leak-free storage.
Chicken Meatball Soup
Making your own meatballs lets you control size and seasoning. For families with kids, small bite-sized meatballs are a hit. This version uses ground chicken, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning for bright, savory meatballs without added fillers.
The greens in this recipe are kale and celery, which add texture and a pleasant savory note. If you prefer a milder green, baby spinach is an easy swap. Matchstick carrots add a touch of color and sweetness while keeping the carb count low.
What To Eat With Italian Wedding Soup
This classic Italian-style soup pairs nicely with a simple salad. For a light meal, serve a mixed green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. If you want a sweeter contrast, a fresh fruit and cucumber salad complements the savory broth.
On the side, try low-carb garlic knots or roasted vegetables like garlic butter zucchini and yellow squash to round out the meal. These sides complement the soup’s herbs and make the meal more substantial.
Keto Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Below are the ingredients and basic instructions for this keto Italian wedding soup. Exact measurements and a printable format are included in the recipe card that follows.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 3 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
Ground chicken
Large egg
Parmesan cheese, grated
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
For the soup:
Butter
Zucchini, chopped
Kale, chopped
Celery, chopped
Italian seasoning
Onion, chopped
Chicken broth
Matchstick carrots
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and zucchini and sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined and set the mixture aside.
Stir minced garlic and matchstick carrots into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Form the chicken mixture into small meatballs and drop them carefully into the simmering broth.
Cover and simmer until the meatballs float and are cooked through, about 10–12 minutes depending on size.
Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, then adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
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Keto Italian Wedding Soup
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Soup Pot
Ingredients
Keto Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Soup
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 medium Zucchini chopped
- 3 cups Kale chopped
- 1/2 cup Celery chopped
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Onion Chopped
- 5 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/3 cups Matchstick Carrots
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat.
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Add the onion, celery and zucchini. Sauté until the vegetables soften.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the meatball ingredients and set aside.
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Stir minced garlic and carrots into the pot with the other vegetables.
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Pour in the broth, cover and bring to a light boil.
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Form the meat mixture into balls, and drop into the pot.
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Cover and simmer until the meatballs float and are cooked through.
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Stir in the kale and cook until wilted.
Notes
Net Carbs: 3 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is approximate. It cannot be guaranteed.
Keto Soup Recipes
If you enjoyed this keto Italian wedding soup, try more low-carb soups that work well for lunch or as a starter for dinner. They’re comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prep.
- Keto Turmeric Zucchini Soup
- Creamy Keto Pumpkin Curry Soup
- Low-Carb Dill Pickle Soup with Bacon
- Keto French Onion Soup
- Keto Chicken Detox Soup