Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (2024)

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5 from 13 votes

This is a classic and hearty soup that you will want to make over and over again. Skip the canned soup, and make homemade Italian wedding soup, or meatball soup today. However you call it, you will love this keto meatball soup that is loaded with hearty vegetables. A light but filling main dish recipe!

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (1)

My friend Lisa posted a photo of her meatball soup on Facebook a few weeks ago, and since then I’ve been craving it. When I got a 1.5 lb pack of ground pork for $2.41 at Walmart yesterday I knew it was time to make some. We are also in the middle of a cold, rainy week here in the Northeast which always screams soup to me.

This soup is full of vegetables and meatballs in broth. It is light but filling. Even if you don’t get meat on clearance like I did it is budget-friendly. A huge pot shouldn’t cost more than $5-$8. Best of all, it makes a large amount so you will have leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (2)

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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (3)

The Best Italian Wedding Soup

This is the best Italian soup I've tried. The fresh ingredients paired with the bite-sized pork meatballs have comfort in every bite. It is one of our favorite cold-weather meals.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (4)

Why is it Called Italian Wedding Soup

You might think this soup is served at weddings. If you guessed that, you would be wrong. This soup is named after the way all the ingredients combine and "marry in flavor" as it cooks.

That is one of the best things about any soup in my opinion. When they are made well the flavors complement and enhance each other.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (5)

Do You Have To Use Pasta?

You do not have to use pasta when cooking keto meatball soup. In my recipe, I skip the pasta and use veggies like spinach and zucchini to replace the pasta with wholesome vegetables. It is a lighter version but still packs some incredible taste.

You don't need pasta as a filler when your soup has delicious broth, fresh veggies, and a protein!

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (6)

What Other Ground Meats Can Be Used In This Soup Recipe

I reached for ground pork when making mymeatballs. You are welcome to use ground chicken, turkey, or even turkey sausage.

All of these meats will work well with the other ingredients used in the meatball portion of the recipe.

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How Do You Make Italian Wedding Soup

Start by prepping and cooking your meatballs as directed below. You want to make sure your meatballs reach at least 160 degrees to ensure they are cooked safely to be mixed with the soup.

Once your meatballs are done, go ahead and work on the stock of the soup. Add in some olive oil to your pot, and toss in your diced onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant. Then stir in your zucchini and cover the pan. You want it to break down and cook for around five to ten minutes. Add in your stock, and heat until you see it begin to simmer. Add in your cooked meatballs, spinach, and top with parmesan cheese.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (8)

Can You Use Frozen Meatballs Instead Of Making Your Own

You sure can! If you don't want to mess with making homemade meatballs, buy your favorite brand of meatballs in the store. You can use frozen or look for pre-made meatballs in the refrigerator section at your meat market. Both work great in the recipe.

I prefer to make my own because the teeny tiny meatballs traditional to Meatball Soup aren't available in any freezer section I've seen.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (9)

Can You Freeze Keto Meatball Soup?

You are welcome to freeze any of your leftover Italian soup. I will say that your veggies will break down a bit more once you go to warm them up. But the flavors will be the same, and it tastes phenomenal.

Just place your soup in freezer bags or containers and toss in the fridge for one to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before and then warm up on the stove.

I like to pour my soup into freezer bags and then lay them flat in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can set them up, and it uses almost no room in the freezer.This is an excellent tip if you are a meal prepper who enjoys having a freezer full of meals.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (10)

What to Pair With Meatball Soup

Most of the time we eat soup alone and don't pair it with other sides. But if you are on the hunt for some tasty sides to match with this soup, let me share a few ideas below.

  • Green Salad
  • Low Carb Panini
  • Keto Biscuits

If you are a fan of soup give my meatball soup recipe a try. It is simple to make, minimal ingredients required and can serve a crowd. Best of all it reheats beautifully for meals down the line.

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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (12)

Italian Wedding Soup

Taryn

This is a classic and hearty soup that you will want to make over and over again. Skip the canned soup, and make homemade meatball soup today. However you call it, you will love this meatball filled soup that is loaded with hearty vegetables. A light but filling keto meatball soup recipe!

5 from 13 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian, Italian American

Servings 6

Calories 401

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients:

Soup Ingredients:

  • 2 onions chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 large zucchini quartered lengthwise and sliced
  • 5 oz fresh spinach cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 quart chicken or beef stock
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400. Mix all meatball ingredients together. Form into small balls. Put on a greased baking sheet (I line mine with foil). Bake for 10-15 until a meat thermometer reaches 160.

  • Meanwhile, grease a stock pot with olive oil. Cook onions and garlic until they are softened. Add zucchini and cover. Cook 5 min until softened. Add stock and heat until simmering. Add cooked meatballs and spinach and serve with extra parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 401Carbohydrates: 8gProtein: 25gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 1150mgPotassium: 738mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2365IUVitamin C: 27.5mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 2.6mg

Love this recipe?Please leave a 5 star rating!

Originally Published February 24, 2016. Revised and Republished January 27, 2020.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Low Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free, THM S (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for escarole in Italian wedding soup? ›

Fresh spinach: If you're not a fan of bitter greens, substitute bunched or baby spinach for the traditional escarole or kale in Italian wedding soup. Add the spinach later in the cooking process, as it takes only a few minutes to cook. Thawed and chopped frozen spinach works in a pinch, too.

What is another name for Italian wedding soup? ›

minestra maritata

What is Italian wedding soup made of? ›

This lovely Italian wedding soup recipe is a combination of homemade meatballs with sliced escarole, carrots, and orzo pasta in a flavorsome broth. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Is Italian wedding soup low fiber? ›

Wedding Soup Is Packed With Protein And Fiber

There's no shortage of vegetables in it, though. The combination of carrots, celery and spinach add loads of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, but they are all low carbohydrate vegetables.

What vegetable is most like escarole? ›

What can you swap in for it, if need be? Chicory of endives are your best bet, but if those aren't easily accessible—they're not always! —spinach and arugula are good bitter substitutes. Truly any dark leafy green'll do.

What is the closest vegetable to escarole? ›

Curly endive in particular has a similar appearance to escarole and is a good substitute. Other alternatives include: Belgian endive, bok choy, broad-leaved endive, Batavian endive, dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage, Napa cabbage, and turnip greens. Most bitter greens can be used in place of escarole.

Why is it called widow soup? ›

The epitome of Maltese soups is the Soppa ta' l-Armla - the Widow's Soup - traditionally called so because the ingredients were cheap and therefore affordable even by the 'poor' widow. The key secret of this thick soup is to stick to white or green vegetables.

Does Progresso make Italian wedding soup? ›

Progresso Light Italian-Style Wedding canned soup has at least 33% fewer calories per serving than regular ready-to-serve soups*. Indulge in every bite of Italian wedding soup made with pork and turkey meatballs, carrots and spinach in a rich chicken broth.

What is the most famous soup in Italy? ›

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup known worldwide as one of the best Italian soups. It's got a flavorful broth and a variety of slow-cooked vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots. Adding Italian sausage gives it a kick of flavor and a shot of protein, so it's a complete meal all by itself.

Why is it called Italian wedding soup in the US? ›

The name wedding comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata which means 'married soup. ' Why is it married? It's the marriage of ingredients, and the resulting delicious flavor, in the soup! All wedding soups are going to have green vegetables and meat.

What's in Campbell's Italian wedding soup? ›

CHICKEN BROTH (WATER, CHICKEN STOCK), BEEF MEATBALLS (SOY), ACINI DE PEPE PASTA (WHEAT FLOUR, EGG WHITE), SPINACH, POTATO STARCH, SALT, DRIED ONION, PARMESAN AND CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK), DRIED GARLIC, SPICES, FLAVOUR (CONTAINS CELERY), MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, DISODIUM GUANYLATE, DISODIUM INOSINATE, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, ...

What is the difference between minestrone and Italian wedding soup? ›

It's similar to minestrone, but is made with meatballs; minestrone is usually made from vegetables and pasta. Italian wedding soup is a phenomenal freezer-friendly soup, and it doesn't take long to make – a perfect project for a chilly afternoon!

Is wedding soup high in carbs? ›

Italian Wedding Soup (1 cup) contains 15.8g total carbs, 14.1g net carbs, 7.3g fat, 14g protein, and 188 calories.

Is Italian wedding soup high in carbs? ›

This serving contains 6.5 g of fat, 12 g of protein and 16 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 3.7 g sugar and 2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Italian Wedding Soup contains 2.5 g of saturated fat and 39 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Do Italians eat Italian wedding soup? ›

Savory and rustic, Italian wedding soup is certainly lovable. Yet, regardless of what the name implies, it's not traditionally served at Italian weddings (despite the rumor that it's an aphrodisiac for newlyweds). Many people eat it during the winter or early springtime, but wedding season is irrelevant here.

What tastes similar to escarole? ›

Escarole is a member of the endive family and has a mildly bitter flavor but hearty texture. It looks a bit like green leaf lettuce but with sturdier leaves. Sautéing tempers its bitterness a bit. If you can't find escarole, substitute curly endive or kale.

What's the difference romaine and escarole? ›

And yes, as the family name “bitter greens” suggests, escarole is a tad bitter. There's a sharpness that comes with escarole's wide leaves, not quite as much as radicchio, but definitely more than a piece of romaine. At the grocery store, escarole can be easy to miss, since it's a chicory that looks like lettuce.

What is escarole compared to? ›

While escarole looks a lot like butterhead lettuce, you can tell them apart because escarole has wide, green leaves with slightly jagged, crumpled edges that cluster into a rosette — whereas the broad leaves of lettuce are wavy and smooth ( 1 , 2). Unlike lettuce, escarole offers a pleasant bitterness and versatility.

What is the difference between escarole and spinach? ›

Escarole tastes bitter compared to spinach. Escarole is commonly used in Italian cuisines and when you grill or sauté it, it tastes better. Escarole provides a variety of minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber.

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