Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Soup! This rich and flavorful dish is a delightful fusion of Creole spices and creamy goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this soup is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you'll find it hard to resist the allure of succulent shrimp swimming in a luscious, spiced broth. Ready to tantalize your senses? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Dice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 10 minutes, add the heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to return to a simmer.
- Once the soup is simmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Remove the soup from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will also help the flavors to develop further.
- Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. This includes peeling and deveining the shrimp, dicing the vegetables, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp whenever possible. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your soup.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, start with less seasoning and add more as needed.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking. They only need about 5-7 minutes to become pink and tender. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove the soup from heat as soon as they are done.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. They add a lovely freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, making it a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side salad for a well-rounded dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 421kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 195mg
