Ever wondered if a soup could be both spicy and luxurious at the same time? Most shrimp soups are either too bland or overly rich—but this creamy Cajun shrimp soup strikes the perfect balance. With its fiery Cajun kick, velvety cream base, and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a dish that will warm your soul and wake up your taste buds. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s your ideal weeknight seafood comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cups seafood stock or broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 2 slices crusty bread, toasted (for dipping)
Step-by-Step:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant.
2. Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and flour, whisking continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Slowly add seafood stock, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Shrimp and Cream
Once the broth thickens slightly, stir in the heavy cream. Add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes or until pink and fully cooked.
5. Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.
6. Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with toasted crusty bread for dipping.
Variations:
- Swap shrimp for lump crab meat or a seafood mix.
- Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers for added texture.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
Cooking Note:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove from heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
- For extra depth, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
- Homemade seafood stock will enhance flavor dramatically.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with crusty sourdough, garlic toast, or even cheddar biscuits. Add a light green salad with vinaigrette for balance. Top with extra Cajun spice for heat lovers!
Storing Tips for the Recipe:
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat—avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Do not freeze if using cream; substitute coconut milk for freezer-safe version.
Timing:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 540mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe:
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter option.
- Use olive oil only instead of butter to cut saturated fat.
- Include extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking shrimp leads to a rubbery texture—watch them closely!
- Boiling cream can cause it to split—keep the heat gentle.
- Skipping the roux step can result in a thin, underwhelming soup base.
Conclusion:
This creamy Cajun shrimp soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. Packed with bold spices, tender shrimp, and a rich, savory broth, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a touch of Southern warmth. Try it out, leave a comment below, and explore our other easy seafood recipes for more mealtime magic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- What can I substitute for seafood stock? Chicken broth works, though seafood stock offers more authentic flavor.
- How spicy is Cajun seasoning? It varies by brand—adjust to taste and add cayenne if you want more heat.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes! Prep and store up to 2 days in advance—add shrimp just before serving.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and spicy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Soup featuring tender shrimp, garlic, and a velvety tomato-cream broth—perfect with crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
3 cups seafood stock or broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
2 slices crusty bread, toasted (for dipping)
Instructions
1. In a large soup pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle flour and Cajun seasoning, whisk to combine.
5. Deglaze with white wine (if using), scraping browned bits.
6. Gradually add seafood stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cream. Cook for 5 minutes.
8. Add shrimp and simmer 3–4 minutes until just pink and cooked through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve with toasted crusty bread.
Notes
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Add cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
This soup also works well with crab or lobster additions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 195mg