Whether you're on the keto diet or just watching what you eat, these healthy Italian recipes are low in carbs but full of old-world flavor.
29 Low-Carb Italian Recipes to Try Tonight
Updated on Nov. 23, 2022
Quick Chicken Piccata
Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia
1/29
2/29
Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 54 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
3/29
Italian Cloud Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Drop egg yolks on nests of whipped Italian-seasoned egg whites, then bake in a cast-iron skillet. Dreamy!—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 96 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
4/29
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
5/29
Chicken Provolone
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
6/29
Olives and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
7/29
Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 107 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
8/29
Saucy Italian Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender roast is one of my favorite set-and-forget meals. I thicken the juices with a little flour and add ketchup, then serve the sauce and beef slices over pasta. —Jan Roat, Red Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef (calculated without pasta): 218 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
9/29
Broiled Chicken & Artichokes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My wife and I first made this chicken entree as newlyweds, and we have been hooked on it ever since. We make it almost weekly now. It's so simple and affordable, yet delicious and healthy. You can't beat that! —Chris Koon, Midlothian, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
10/29
Prosciutto-Pepper Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a dish that's easy, fast and most importantly, delicious. Serve these prosciutto-stuffed pork chops with pasta salad for a satisfying meal. —Donna Prisco, Randolph, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 237 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
11/29
Tuscan Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Tuscan soup has lots of potatoes, but I make mine the low-carb way with cauliflower. Turns out, it has a heartier flavor. —Heather Bewley, Bemidji, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 358 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
12/29
Chicken Risotto
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 22 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/29
Pesto Halibut
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
14/29
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
15/29
Italian Beef Patties
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make these pizza flavored patties and watch the kids devour them! Give them a try in buns for a pizza-like cheeseburger, or try them on rice or with a side of deli pasta salad for a super-fast fix. —Deanna Maciejewski, Bridgeton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
16/29
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/29
Lemon Butter Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always trying to increase the amount of fish in our diet. This recipe is fast, easy and enjoyable, even for non-fish lovers. —Catherine Jensen, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 tablespoon sauce: 207 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
18/29
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/29
Romano Basil Turkey Breast
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will be impressed when you slice this golden, grilled turkey breast, dressed up with a flavorful layer of basil and cheese under the skin. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked turkey: 321 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
20/29
Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 420 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
21/29
Crab-Stuffed Flounder with Herbed Aioli
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like seafood, you’ll love this scrumptious flounder. The light and creamy aioli sauce tops it off with fresh tones of chives and garlic. —Beverly O'Ferrall, Linkwood, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet with 2-1/2 teaspoons aioli: 276 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
22/29
Marinated Mozzarella
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 203 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
23/29
Tomato-Basil Baked Fish
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe works successfully with many kinds of fish, while the rest of the ingredients are things you’re likely to have on hand. Baked fish is so simple and so good for you. I make this often! —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 121 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/29
Tuscan Truffles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 80 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/29
Oven-Roasted Tomatoes
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love tomatoes, as they're both healthy and versatile. You can use these roasted ones in sandwiches or omelets, or to top broiled chicken. —Julie Tilney (Gomez), Downey, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 45 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/29
Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add zip to your party with this easy appetizer. The dip that can also double as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 spears with 1 tablespoon sauce: 72 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
27/29
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
28/29
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
29/29
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
