Easy Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe

Cream of shrimp soup is one of those comforting dishes that combines the savory goodness of seafood with the richness of cream, making it a perfect choice for cold days or whenever you’re craving something a little indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter to a fancy dinner or as a cozy lunch on its own, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s smooth, velvety, and bursting with the delicious, briny flavor of shrimp. Not to mention, it’s quick and easy to make, especially with this straightforward recipe.

Let’s dive into a detailed and simple guide on how to make this creamy delight from scratch. From understanding the ingredients to the steps for creating a perfectly balanced bowl, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this soup a hit in your kitchen.

This easy cream of shrimp soup recipe is all about bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp while balancing it with a creamy base. The soup has a touch of aromatic vegetables, a hint of seasonings, and a texture that’s just rich enough to be satisfying but not overly heavy.

Ingredients Needed

To make this soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: About 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they’re thawed if frozen.
Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the base of the soup.
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped. This adds a mild sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Celery offers a bit of crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a savory undertone that complements the shrimp.
Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: 4 cups. You can substitute with seafood broth if you have it, but chicken broth works perfectly here.
Heavy cream: 1 cup. This gives the soup its rich and velvety texture.
Bay leaf: 1 leaf. This herb infuses a subtle earthy flavor into the soup.
Salt and pepper: To taste. Adjust based on your preference.
Cayenne pepper: A pinch for a little heat. Optional, but it adds a nice kick.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, chopped finely.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is easier than you might think! Here’s the step-by-step process:

Prepare The Shrimp
- If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already.
- Cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can leave some whole for added texture.
Cook The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Make The Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir it in. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux that will help thicken your soup.
Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid any lumps from the roux. Add the bay leaf, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Cook The Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so don’t overdo it to avoid rubbery texture.
Finish With Cream
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through, but don’t bring it to a boil to avoid curdling. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve
- Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this cream of shrimp soup brings something important to the table:

Shrimp: They are the star of the show. Shrimp not only add a delicious seafood flavor, but they also contribute to the overall texture of the soup with their firm, meaty bite.
Butter: A key ingredient for flavor. It adds richness to the base of the soup and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and vegetables.
Onion & Celery: These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Together, they form a flavor base called a mirepoix, which is common in many soups and sauces.
Flour: It’s used to thicken the soup, ensuring that it has a smooth, creamy texture. The flour also helps bind all the ingredients together.
Heavy Cream: This is the magic ingredient that gives the soup its indulgent texture. The cream helps balance out the savory flavors and brings a silky smoothness that makes each spoonful feel luxurious.
Seasonings: Bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne add layers of flavor. The bay leaf imparts an earthy note, while cayenne adds a subtle heat, complementing the sweetness of the shrimp.

Expert Tips

Shrimp Quality: Use good-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Wild-caught shrimp often have a stronger, more complex taste than farmed ones.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooking them can make them rubbery and tough, so be sure to add them near the end of the cooking process.
Broth Substitutes: For an even richer flavor, use seafood broth instead of chicken broth. You can also make your own by simmering shrimp shells with water and aromatics.
Control the Creaminess: If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. The result will be a less rich, but still delicious, version.

Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up or add your own twist, here are a few variations to consider:

Spicy Shrimp Soup: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicier version. You could also incorporate some chopped jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables for a more intense heat.
Add Vegetables: For added texture and nutrition, throw in some diced potatoes or carrots when you’re sautéing the onions and celery. They’ll cook in the broth and add heartiness to the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, dill, or tarragon for a unique flavor profile. Fresh herbs can bring out more fragrance and freshness in the soup.
Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar for an extra layer of flavor. It’ll also add a little more creaminess.

Final Words

Cream of shrimp soup is the perfect way to enjoy shrimp in a cozy, comforting form. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s sure to impress with its smooth texture, flavorful broth, and succulent shrimp. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile-you can make it as rich or as light as you prefer, and tweak the seasonings to suit your taste.

Easy Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe