There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of creamy seafood soup to warm you from the inside out, and Hearty Creamy Shrimp Soup with Toasted Bread is the perfect example of comfort done right. Brimming with tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety cream base, this soup is rich and satisfying while still feeling fresh thanks to the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Served with crispy, golden toasted bread on the side—or for dipping directly into the bowl—it’s a cozy yet elegant dish that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for entertaining. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, so you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal without much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich yet balanced – Creamy broth with bright seafood flavor.
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Comfort food appeal – Perfect for chilly evenings.
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Quick and easy – Ready in about 40 minutes.
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Pairing perfection – Crunchy toasted bread to soak up every drop.
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Customizable – Add other seafood or adjust seasoning to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 servings:
For the Soup
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1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (save shells for broth if desired)
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup whole milk
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Juice of ½ lemon
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Toasted Bread
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4 thick slices of crusty bread (sourdough or baguette)
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
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1 clove garlic, halved
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
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If making stock, simmer shrimp shells in 4 cups water for 15 minutes, strain, and set aside.
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Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
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Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
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Gradually pour in seafood stock while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to slightly thicken.
Step 4: Add Cream and Shrimp
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Stir in heavy cream and milk.
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Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque.
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Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Make the Toasted Bread
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Spread butter on each bread slice.
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Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides.
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Rub the toasted side with the cut garlic clove for flavor.
Step 6: Serve
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Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with extra parsley, and serve hot with toasted bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Creamy Shrimp Soup
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Don’t overcook the shrimp – They become rubbery if left too long.
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Use fresh stock if possible – Shrimp shells make a flavorful base.
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Add lemon at the end – Keeps the citrus bright and fresh.
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Toast bread just before serving – So it stays crunchy.
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Control thickness – Add more milk or stock for a looser soup.
Flavor Variations
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Seafood medley – Add scallops, crab meat, or chunks of white fish.
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Spicy Cajun twist – Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning.
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Vegetable boost – Stir in spinach or corn kernels before serving.
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Cheesy richness – Add shredded Parmesan to the cream base.
Serving Suggestions
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With a salad – A light arugula salad balances the richness.
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In bread bowls – Hollowed-out loaves for an impressive presentation.
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As a starter – Serve smaller portions before a main course.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Best without cream; add cream after reheating to prevent separation.
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Reheat: Warm gently over low heat; avoid boiling to keep shrimp tender.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 27g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Fat: 29g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 6g
Exact values will vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed as directed.
2. Can I make this without cream?
Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
3. How do I thicken the soup without flour?
Use cornstarch slurry or blend some of the vegetables into the broth.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes—prepare the base without shrimp, then add shrimp just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Creamy Shrimp Soup with Toasted Bread is a bowl of pure comfort—rich, flavorful, and brimming with tender shrimp. The toasted bread is the perfect companion, adding crunch and making sure not a drop of that creamy broth goes to waste.
It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for a quick family dinner, a cozy weekend treat, or an impressive dish to serve to guests.
