Name: Creamy Shrimp Soup Recipe
Prep time: 6 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup finely chopped onion; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken stock (33% reduced sodium); ½ cup half and half or whole milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper powder; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¾ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry; 2 handfuls baby spinach; ¼ cup grated parmesan

Jump to Recipe·5 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving the kind of luxurious comfort that comes from a bowl of rich, restaurant-worthy soup—but want it on your own table in just 20 minutes—this Creamy Shrimp Soup is truly what dreams are made of. It’s the perfect blend of plump, tender shrimp, fragrant aromatics, and real Italian flavor, all swirled together in a velvety broth. Imagine spoonfuls of savory, creamy goodness punctuated by bursts of fresh spinach and a whisper of parmesan: it’s a weeknight win that feels like a treat, and it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Creamy Shrimp Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup may taste extravagant, but every ingredient plays a starring role in creating those layers of flavor, silkiness, and color. Here’s what you’ll need—each element really does matter, and little tweaks can let you tailor Creamy Shrimp Soup to your own taste.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and sets the foundation for that dreamy, creamy texture.
Onion (½ cup, finely chopped): Offers up gentle sweetness and depth—the base of any great soup.
Garlic (2 large cloves, finely chopped): Infuses the soup with savory Italian aroma, boosting every bite.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the soup just right, so every spoonful feels delightfully luscious.
Chicken stock (2 cups, 33% reduced sodium): Lends a light, savory background without overpowering the shrimp; adjust salt if using regular or unsalted.
Half and half (½ cup, or whole milk): Brings that luxurious creaminess—use milk for a lighter touch if you prefer.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Classic Italian herbs tie everything together for that signature flavor.
Salt (¼ to ½ tsp): Enhances every ingredient; taste as you go!
Pepper powder (¼ tsp): Adds gentle warmth and complexity to the soup.
Red pepper flakes (⅛ tsp): A little kick to keep things interesting—add more if you enjoy some heat!
Shrimp (¾ pound, peeled, deveined, patted dry): The star! Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work beautifully.
Baby spinach (2 handfuls): Adds freshness and gorgeous color—that pop of green makes the soup irresistible.
Grated parmesan (¼ cup): Brings a final touch of salty, cheesy richness, uniting all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once bubbly, toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes. What you’re looking for is soft, translucent onion and the unmistakable aroma that hints something wonderful is coming. This first step infuses the butter and becomes the flavorful heart of Creamy Shrimp Soup.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step thickens your soup without any lumps, turning the butter and flour into a smooth, golden paste. Don’t rush—giving the roux a moment to cook gets rid of any raw flour taste and sets you up for the perfect silky base.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream

Slowly pour in the chicken stock and half and half (or whole milk if you’re aiming for lighter). Stir well, scraping up any golden bits from the pot—those are flavor! Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally as the base starts to thicken and scents fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Add Shrimp, Spinach, and Cheese

Stir in your shrimp, the baby spinach, and parmesan cheese all at once. Let everything cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp curl into little “C” shapes and turn pink, and the spinach wilts into vivid green ribbons. Right at the end, give it a final gentle stir to ensure the cheese melts seamlessly into the broth. Your Creamy Shrimp Soup is ready!

Step 5: Serve Hot and Savor

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately while piping hot—this maximizes the soup’s silkiness and vibrant flavor. Taste for final seasoning and add just a sprinkle of extra parmesan or pepper if you desire. Each spoonful promises a burst of shrimp, creamy broth, and that irresistible Italian flair.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can take Creamy Shrimp Soup from simple comfort food to something worthy of dinner guests. Try a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, a bit of chopped parsley for fresh color, or even a few extra red pepper flakes for visual drama and a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either—it adds shine and richness to the final bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty baguette slices, buttery garlic bread, or even a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. If you want to make it a heartier meal, some herbed rice or a tangle of angel hair pasta alongside will soak up every drop of that luscious soup.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, serve Creamy Shrimp Soup in small bread bowls, or pour it into little espresso cups as a party appetizer. For an extra-Italian vibe, float a crispy parmesan crisp on top or arrange the shrimp artfully—tiny touches that make weeknight dinners feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Creamy Shrimp Soup tasting fresh, pour any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well for up to 2 days, but the shrimp are always best when freshly cooked. If you want to prep ahead, consider leaving the shrimp out until you’re ready to reheat and serve—just add them at the last minute for perfect tenderness.

Freezing

Creamy soups can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, but if you want to freeze portions, let the soup cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, stir thoroughly after thawing and before reheating—remember, the texture may change slightly but the flavor will stay fabulous.

Reheating

Warm Creamy Shrimp Soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to help it come back together. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, as this can toughen the shrimp and separate the creamy base. You can also microwave smaller amounts in bursts, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the soup. This helps maintain the broth’s creamy texture and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.

Can I make Creamy Shrimp Soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use olive oil in place of butter, swap in a plant-based milk or unsweetened coconut milk for the half and half, and try nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. The soup will still be comforting and flavorful, just a bit lighter and dairy-free.

What if I don’t have chicken stock?

Vegetable stock is a great substitute, offering a similar mild flavor that lets the shrimp shine. Homemade or quality store-bought versions both work well—just make sure to adjust the salt if needed.

Can I add other vegetables or seafood?

Definitely! Creamy Shrimp Soup is wonderfully versatile. Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra texture. You can also include scallops or chopped cooked crab to create a seafood medley variation.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Watch the color and shape—shrimp cook quickly and are done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose “C.” Remove the pot from heat once they’re done to help keep them tender and juicy for the best soup experience.

Final Thoughts

If you love comforting, flavorsome soups with a touch of elegance, don’t wait another day to try Creamy Shrimp Soup. It’s effortless, impressive, and so satisfying—bring a bit of Italian restaurant magic into your own kitchen tonight!