Gluten Free Italian Wedding Soup

This comforting gluten free Italian wedding soup is the perfect hearty meal for a chilly day. You'll love this easy, low-carb soup loaded with savory homemade meatballs, fresh spinach, and rich broth.

The Best Recipe for Italian Wedding Soup

A warm bowl of soup is always comforting, especially when it’s as flavorful as this Italian wedding soup. As a fan of classic Italian dishes, I loved the challenge of creating a keto-friendly version of this favorite.

This recipe brings all the traditional flavors with none of the carbs, making it an ideal meal for my low-carb lifestyle.

It pairs wonderfully with some hearty keto dinner rolls for dipping.

This soup is similar in comfort factor to my favorite kale soup with sausage and mushroom, but the little meatballs make it extra special. For dessert, a slice of Italian lemon ricotta cheesecake completes the perfect Italian-inspired keto meal.

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup, or minestra maritata, translates to "married soup." The name refers to the "marriage" of flavors between the meat and greens in the broth, creating a delicious and balanced soup.

It's a classic Italian-American soup featuring small meatballs, leafy greens, and sometimes small pasta, all simmered in a clear chicken broth.

This keto version uses spinach and omits traditional pasta and breadcrumbs with low-carb alternatives, so you can enjoy this authentic, healthy soup without the extra carbs.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Wedding Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, gluten-free Italian wedding soup.

Meatballs:

• Ground beef and ground pork - you'll need half and half. But you can just use one pound of your favorite protein
• Almond flour
• Parmesan cheese - grate your own cheese for the best flavor, and for it to melt into the soup
• Eggs
• Spices - oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper

Soup:

• Chicken broth - use bone broth for the best flavor
• Spinach
• Celery
• Garlic and onion
• Water
• Olive oil
• Eggs - whisked, this is a special step that creates delicate egg ribbons in the soup.
• Spices - Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper

How to Make Gluten-Free Italian Wedding Soup

Follow these simple steps to make the best homemade soup recipe!

STEP ONE: In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients together with your hands —be careful not to overmix!

STEP TWO: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Using a ½ tablespoon measuring spoon will help keep them uniform in size. Set the meatballs aside.

STEP THREE: In a large soup pot, add the diced onion and sliced celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

STEP FOUR: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil. Carefully add the meatballs and let them simmer for 10-12 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.

STEP SIX: To create the classic egg ribbons, slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the soup while constantly stirring with a fork or whisk.

STEP SEVEN: Let it cook for one more minute, then remove the pot from the heat. Serve your keto Italian wedding soup hot, with a generous sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top.

What to Serve with Soup

This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s even better with a side of low-carb bread for dipping!

Try serving it with some cheesy Parmesan garlic breadsticks or fluffy keto dinner rolls. A simple side salad with a balsamic vinaigrette would also be a fantastic pairing.

Variations and Substitutions for Homemade Italian Wedding Meatball Soup

Want to customize your soup? Here are a few ideas:

• For the meatballs, you can use all ground beef, or try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Swap the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or escarole. If using kale, add it a few minutes earlier as it takes longer to soften.
• To add some "pasta", consider adding some low-carb keto noodles or even spiralized zucchini near the end of the cooking time.
• For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese at the end.
• Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a little bit of heat.

Keto Italian Wedding Soup FAQs

How many carbs are in this soup?

Each serving of this keto Italian wedding soup contains approximately 1 ½ cups, with the specific carb count depending on the exact ingredients used. This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to make the soup. This is a great way to save time on a busy day.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Make sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the soup to avoid a watery broth.

How to Store and Freeze Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together, and it often tastes even better the next day!

You can also freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Leftovers

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat it directly from frozen on the stove.

If You Loved This Soup Recipe, Check These Out!

• Italian Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
• Hazelnut Keto Cookies
• Kale Soup with Sausage and Mushroom
• Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
• Keto Italian Chopped Salad

Recipe