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–+ servings

Quick Creamy Crab & Shrimp Bisque for Dinner

Rose
This Quick Creamy Crab & Shrimp Bisque for Dinner is a luxurious, restaurant-style seafood soup that combines succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat in a rich, creamy tomato-based broth with aromatic vegetables and spices. Ready in under an hour, it’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 4 servings
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • whisk
  • knife and cutting board
  • serving bowls
  • spoon for stirring

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 0.5 lb crab meat (lump preferred)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional: add 1 tbsp butter for richness)
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped celery
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped carrot
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp dry sherry or white wine (optional)
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chives, or dill

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add chopped celery, carrot, and onion; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Mix in tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.
  • Gradually pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  • Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half; avoid boiling.
  • Fold in chopped shrimp and crab meat, heating through for 5 minutes.
  • If desired, stir in sherry or white wine for a subtle flavor boost.
  • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Seafood substitutions: Scallops, white fish, or lobster can replace or complement the shrimp and crab. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Thickener: Gluten-free flour or cornstarch can replace all-purpose flour. Spice Adjustments: Increase cayenne for heat or omit for a milder version.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg
Keyword bisque, crab, creamy soup, seafood soup, shrimp
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