Italian Keto Recipes for a Romantic Dinner or Family Feast

Classic Italian Recipes Reimagined as Keto-Friendly Dishes

What Italian Food Can You Eat on Keto?

👩‍🍳 There are plenty of tasty and healthy Italian keto recipes you can enjoy on keto. Indulge in steak, chicken, lamb, or seafood. For a lighter option, go for salads with oil-based dressings. Also try modified keto Italian food such as spaghetti squash carbonara, eggplant lasagna, and cauliflower pizza crust – all low-carb options so you can remain in ketosis without sacrificing flavor.

Searching for an Italian dish that fits into your keto lifestyle? Look no further! Whether you’re cooking a romantic meal for two or hosting a party, these delectable and authentic recipes have got it all. Enjoy the incredible taste of Italy without any guilt.

Eating Italian cuisine on a ketogenic diet is possible. You just have to be mindful of the ingredients. Unfortunately, traditional dishes like pasta, pizza, and bread are too high in carbs for this lifestyle. Instead, try flavorful recipes that contain meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked with healthy fats.

Let your creative juices flow in the kitchen and substitute traditional Italian ingredients with keto-friendly versions. Instead of pasta, why not try zucchini or spaghetti squash? Replace regular flour with almond and coconut flour to keep it low-carb. Or opt for creamy sauces instead of high-carb options so you can enjoy delicious Italian dishes without sacrificing your diet.

Craving Italian food but don’t want to derail your keto diet? We’ve compiled 10 easy keto recipes from appetizers to desserts that encompass all the flavors of Italy. So go ahead and indulge in a creamy lasagna or mouthwatering risotto without any guilt. Bon appetite!

Table of Contents

• Is Italian Cuisine Keto-Friendly?
• What Italian Dishes are Low-Carb?
• 10 Easy Keto Italian Recipes
  • Cheese Stuffed Mushroom
  • Baked Zucchini Fries
  • Keto Eggplant Parmesan
  • Marry Me Chicken
  • Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto
  • Keto Lasagna
  • Keto Pizza
  • Caprese Salad
  • Cheesy Keto Garlic Bread
  • Keto Tiramisu Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What can I prepare for a quick and easy keto Italian meal?
  • Can I make variations to the dishes?
  • What is the nutritional value of these dishes?
• Final Words

Is Italian Food Keto-Friendly?

Italians have a well-regarded cuisine, but many of their dishes are high in carbohydrates due to the reliance on wheat flour, rice, potatoes, and other starchy components. From pasta to pizza and bread to risotto, these foods easily exceed the 20-50 gram daily limit allowed per day to maintain ketosis.

Not only are Italian main dishes loaded with carbohydrates, but the beloved desserts like tiramisu and gelato can be just as bad. These delightful treats contain large amounts of sugar and flour which make them pack a lot more carbs than recommended for those on a keto diet, even in smaller portions.

Though it may seem challenging to enjoy Italian cuisine while on keto, fear not! Simply by making some simple adjustments and substitutions you can create your own delicious Italian keto recipes. This way, you can still savor the flavors of classic Italian dishes without compromising on your health goals. 

For example, you can substitute pasta or pizza crust for a low-carb alternative. You can use zucchini, squash, cucumber, eggplant, and cabbage for pasta, use cauliflower or almond flour instead of rice, and low-carb sweeteners instead of sugar to make desserts.

What Italian Dishes are Low-Carb?

Salads are arguably the most nutrient-dense Italian dish with the least number of carbs. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or dinner, salads provide an excellent opportunity to get your daily servings of vegetables and protein from meats mixed in.

If you’re following a keto diet, it doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself of the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine. So go ahead and get these ingredients for some scrumptious low-carb Italian recipes.

Transform some of your favorite Italian dishes into low-carb masterpieces by swapping out high-carb ingredients with healthier alternatives. Here are a few examples:

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
• Use cauliflower, zucchini, or almond flour for the pizza crust
• Keto spaghetti sauce with ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs
• Italian sausage balls made with almond flour
• Grilled or roasted meats such as steak, lamb, or chicken
• Seafood dishes like grilled fish, shrimp scampi, or clams in garlic butter sauce
• Caprese salad with diced tomatoes, basil, mozzarella cheese, and avocado
• Antipasto platter with salami, prosciutto, cheese, and olives
• Italian chicken in a creamy sauce served with vegetables instead of pasta
• Lasagna with eggplant or chicken deli swapped for pasta 
• Eggplant parmesan made with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
• Bruschetta with low-carb toppings such as tomato, mozzarella, and basil
• Roasted vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, and green beans.

Even if you’re following a strict diet, you can still savor the taste of Italian cuisine with just some simple modifications and substitutions. Enjoy an assortment of Italian keto recipes that are sure to tantalize your palate. Let’s get cooking!

10 Easy Keto Italian Recipes for a Full-Course Meal

If you’re searching for heavenly and effortless Italian keto recipes that are fit for a full-course dinner, look no further. From appetizers to desserts, these 10 Italian keto recipes will please your taste buds while allowing you to remain in ketosis.

No Italian meal is complete without a hearty starter. If you’re looking for finger foods to serve as both appetizers and snacks, try Baked Zucchini Fries or Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. 

For the main dish, try the delicious Keto Eggplant Parmesan for a twist on classic eggplant parmigiana. Savor our creamy Marry Me Chicken or try the Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto. If you’re hosting a party, we recommend indulging in either Keto Lasagna or Keto Pizza with homemade noodles and crust.

When it comes to side dishes, the options are seemingly endless. You can go with a classic Caprese Salad or try a Cheesy Keto Garlic Bread to accompany your creamy chicken or pasta dish.

Lastly, finish your meal with a sweet yet low-carb tiramisu cake. With these flavorful and satisfying Italian keto recipes, you can indulge in your favorite Italian dishes without sacrificing your ketogenic diet.

Cheese Stuffed Mushroom

For this easy, cheesy appetizer, you can use Cremini, white button, or portobello mushrooms.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 12 large Cremini mushrooms 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish.
• Rinse and dry mushrooms before removing the stems using a paring knife. You’ll have approximately 6oz of mushrooms after.
• Thoroughly combine the cream cheese, salt, spices, and Parmesan in a medium bowl using a rubber spatula.
• Scoop the mixture into each mushroom cap and press down firmly with a teaspoon, forming an even mound on top. Feel free to use your hands too! If you have any leftover cheese blend, stuff more mushrooms until no mixture is left.
• Place the mushrooms in the preheated baking dish. Bake until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms are tender, taking approximately 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer stuffed mushrooms to paper towels to soak up any excess moisture. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Nutrition 

• Calories: 148
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 9g

Baked Zucchini Fries

These crispy, cheesy baked fries can serve as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• Cooking spray
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 3 zucchinis, cut into strips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
• In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Beat eggs in a separate dish.
• Dip zucchini strips into the egg mixture and lightly shake to discard any excess. Then, roll each strip in the breadcrumb mixture until entirely coated. Place the strips on a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning once.

Nutrition

• Calories: 135
• Net Carbs: 13g
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 9g

Keto Eggplant Parmesan

This keto-friendly take on the classic eggplant parmigiana can serve as a side dish or main course.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• Cooking spray 
• 1 large eggplant 
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups almond meal
• ½ cup marinara sauce 
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup dry-grated Parmesan 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with heat-resistant parchment paper. Spritz generously with cooking spray.
• Cut the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds and discard the ends. Season each slice with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. In a separate bowl, add the almond meal.
• Dip each eggplant slice in the egg mixture and submerge it into the almond meal. Place all coated slices on a baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray.
• Cook the eggplant until it becomes soft and tender, with each side taking roughly 20 minutes.
• Keep the oven switched on and take out the eggplants. Cover each eggplant with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
• Pop the baking sheet back in the oven and let it bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

• Calories: 291
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Fat: 22g
• Protein: 14g 

Marry Me Chicken

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe became popular as “Marry Me” Chicken because the perfect balance of flavors can make anyone you cook it for want to marry you!

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (4 small fillets)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 6 cloves garlic 
• 5 oz sun-dried tomatoes 
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a dusting of flour.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the chicken into the pan to cook for roughly 4-5 minutes until golden on each side. Transfer to a plate.
• Melt the remaining butter in the pan, add garlic, and fry until fragrant. Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes, reduce to low heat, and simmer with heavy cream. 
• Continue to simmer as you add the spinach and parmesan, stirring frequently until the cheese melts completely.
• Return the chicken to the pan and serve.

Nutrition

• Calories: 375
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 27g 

Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto

This healthy low-carb cauliflower risotto with mushroom works as a side dish or main dish.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 head cauliflower, grated
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Put butter in a pan over the middle heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. 
• Place the cauliflower rice in the pan and sauté for an additional 3 minutes. Then, add mushrooms and continue cooking until they are tender, taking about 3 minutes more.
• Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until creamy.
• Serve with chopped parsley on top.

Nutrition

• Calories: 304
• Net Carbs: 9.3g
• Fat: 23g
• Protein: 13g 

Keto Lasagna

You have many options for making this traditional Italian dish keto-friendly, but for this recipe, we’re making our own “pasta” using only eggs and different types of cheese.

Ingredients (8 servings)

FOR THE LASAGNA PASTA

• 8oz cream cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs

FOR THE LASAGNA FILLING

• 1 large onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 180°C or 350°F. Prepare a large baking tray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, put cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Microwave it in 30-second intervals until the cheese is mostly melted. Add eggs and mix it all together until you get a smooth batter.
• Carefully pour the batter onto your lined sheet and bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn a golden brown. Remove from oven to let cool.
• Put some oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Put the ground beef in and mix for 3 minutes. Pour marinara sauce over it and cook for another 5 minutes. 
• Start making the lasagna. Put tin foil in an 8 x 8-inch pan. Cut the lasagna sheets into six pieces. Put two on the bottom of the pan. Add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese and sauce, then add 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
• Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and you can hear a soft bubbling of sauce. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 259
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 25g 

Keto Pizza

This delicious recipe for low-carb pizza uses gluten-free keto fathead dough for a chewy, healthy treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients (8 servings)

• 1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tbsp cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup almond flour

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl or food processor, blend the egg with almond flour. You could also simply use your hands to mix them together if that’s what you prefer.
• Take a bowl and put the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese cubes into it. Put it in the microwave for 90 seconds. Take it out and stir halfway through. When finished, stir until everything is mixed together.
• Mix the melted cheeses into the flour mixture. You can either use a food processor or knead it. If the cheese solidifies before it is fully mixed in, heat it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to soften.
• Put the dough onto the lined baking pan. Make it 1/4 inch or 1/3 inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin on top of parchment paper. Poke holes in the crust with a toothpick or fork to stop bubbles from forming.
• Bake for 6 minutes and poke holes when bubbles form. Bake for 3-7 more minutes until it reaches a light golden hue.
• To create a flavorful keto pizza, pre-bake the crust as instructed. Top with your desired pizza sauce and Italian seasoning before placing back into the oven for about 10 minutes until fully heated. 

Nutrition (crust only)

• Calories: 117
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 7g 

Caprese Salad

This easy keto Caprese salad pairs well with a steak dinner.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 1 ½ cup Grape tomatoes
• ½ medium Avocado
• 2 oz Fresh mozzarella balls
• ¼ cup fresh basil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Start by making the dressing. Put balsamic vinegar in a saucepan and boil it on medium heat. Keep heating for 10 minutes or until it is 3 tablespoons. Set aside in a bowl to cool down.
• Combine the halved grape tomatoes, diced avocado, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil leaves in a small bowl.
• Once the balsamic reduction has cooled, mix in the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Before serving, drizzle the dressing atop your salad and toss lightly to let the flavors combine.

Nutrition

• Calories: 155.7
• Net Carbs: 4.9g
• Fat: 13.6g
• Protein: 2.5g

Cheesy Keto Garlic Bread

For this cheesy, garlicky recipe, you will make your own garlic bread from mozzarella cheese, but you can simply buy keto bread and top it as you like.

Ingredients

BREAD

• 1 ¼ cup Almond flour
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups Mozzarella
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1 large egg

TOPPING

• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square or oval glass or ceramic baking dish with butter.
• Mix the almond flour, parmesan, baking powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
• Put the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir then put it back in the microwave for 40 more seconds. The cheese should be melted after this.
• Stir again, add the flour mixture, then the egg.
• Mix the dough with a rubber spatula, then use your hands to knead it. Do this quickly before it gets cold. The dough will be sticky, but that’s normal.
• Gently press the dough into your greased pan. Bake until it’s golden brown, between 15 and 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a separate bowl.
• Generously brush the freshly-baked bread with the butter mixture. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve!

Nutrition (10 servings)

• Calories: 182
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 9g 

Keto Tiramisu Cake

Italian cuisine has no shortage of delicious desserts. Find comfort in our delectable Italian hangover cake or finish off your meal with this keto version of the famous tiramisu.

Ingredients (16 servings)

SPONGE CAKE

• 8 eggs
• 1 ½ cup monk fruit sweetener
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter
• 2 ½ cups almond flour

MASCARPONE CREAM

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 9 oz mascarpone cheese
• ¾ cup monk fruit sweetener

SERVING

• ½ cup coffee
• 4 Tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully separate the egg whites from their yolks and transfer them to two bowls.
• Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until they are stiff and set aside.
• Add the sweetener to the egg yolks and mix until it is light yellow. Then combine with the melted butter and baking powder. Add in the almond flour and mix until everything is blended together.
• Carefully incorporate the egg whites into the mixture with a spatula, folding in sweeping motions for an even blend.
• Grease a 9″ × 13″ baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Carefully spoon in the dough into the pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 3 hours.
• For the mascarpone cream, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone and erythritol.
• Gently mix the cream and the mascarpone with a silicone spatula.
• Slice the sponge cake into thin strips or sticks, then dip them in coffee and form a layer across the base of an 11″ x 7″ rectangular baking tin.
• Spread a layer of mascarpone cream on the cake. Then, put more coffee-dipped sponge cake strips on top. Cover it with another layer of cream.
• Sprinkle with cocoa powder. Let it cool in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

Nutrition

• Calories: 435
• Net Carbs: 5.5g
• Fat: 23g
• Protein: 14.5g 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I prepare for a quick and easy keto meal?

If you’re looking for some quick and easy keto-friendly snacks, try cheesy stuffed mushrooms, zucchini fries, or eggplant parmesan. Go with a creamy chicken or carbonara recipe, or try cauliflower mushroom risotto as your main dish. You also have endless options for Keto lasagna or pizza. Caprese salad and garlic bread are some simple sides that pair well with everything. Finally, indulge your sweet tooth with a delicious yet guilt-free tiramisu cake!

Can I make variations to the dishes?

Absolutely! Put your own twist on the recipes by adding or removing ingredients as you like and make them truly unique. You can also use the recipes as an inspiration for more creative culinary ideas.

What is the nutritional value of these dishes?

No two dishes are alike when it comes to their nutritional value, as the ingredients make all the difference. But most keto recipes are usually laden with beneficial fats and protein, light on carbs, and moderately include fiber. Make sure you read the nutrition facts for each recipe before preparing it.

Final Words: Savor Italian Meals on a Keto Diet

You don’t have to say goodbye to your beloved Italian cuisine just because you’ve adopted a keto lifestyle. With the proper ingredients and some resourcefulness, you can reinvent classic Italian dishes in a way that stays true to their taste while also remaining low-carb. 

To maintain a keto diet, prioritize high-fat ingredients and make necessary substitutions. For example, opt for zucchini, cauliflower, or squash instead of traditional pasta. Healthy fat sources like olive oil, avocado oil, and nuts are recommended alternatives to carb-heavy options.

You can always enjoy classic Italian dishes in a mindful manner. If dining out or celebrating an event, go ahead and permit yourself to take pleasure in it, but be certain to balance it with plenty of nutritious keto meals before and after your little indulgence.

Enjoy the delectable tastes and aromas of these Italian keto recipes while still adhering to your low-carb diet by following these tips. Treat yourself and savor every delicious bite!