If you’re a seafood lover with a penchant for comforting, rich soups, then this Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine succulent shrimp bathing in a velvety, buttery broth infused with garlic, white wine, and a splash of lemon that brightens every spoonful. This dish perfectly balances indulgence with fresh, vibrant flavors, making it a cozy yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the sweetness of fresh shrimp to the bright acidity of lemon juice.
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled): Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your bisque.
- 3 tbsp butter: Provides a rich, silky base that enhances the garlic and shrimp flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the soup with an aromatic punch that’s classic to scampi dishes.
- ½ cup white wine: This brightens and deglazes the pan, adding depth without overpowering the soup.
- 1 cup cream: Creates a luscious, smooth texture that makes the bisque irresistibly creamy.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty finish that perfectly cuts through the richness and balances the soup.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the peeled shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, which should take just a few minutes. Removing the shrimp once cooked keeps them tender and prevents overcooking as you build the soup base.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Deglaze with Wine
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn. Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the shrimp. This step infuses the soup with a subtle complexity and a touch of acidity that livens the flavors.
Step 3: Add Cream and Simmer
Next, gently pour in the cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for several minutes, letting the flavors meld and the soup thicken slightly. The cream will help create that signature bisque texture that feels indulgent and smooth.
Step 4: Blend Lightly and Return Shrimp
Once your soup base is rich and creamy, use an immersion blender to lightly blend the garlic and wine mixture, making it velvety without completely pureeing it—small bursts of texture are key. Then, return the sautéed shrimp to the pan to warm through, ensuring they are evenly coated in the bisque.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice
The final touch is a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the cream and butter. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a twist of lemon zest can also add a lovely finishing flair.
Side Dishes
This bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or warm, buttered baguette slices that allow you to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the bisque in elegant cups or hollowed-out sourdough bowls to impress your guests. You can also top each serving with a few sautéed shrimp and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of luxury.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy evenings or quick lunches.
Freezing
This bisque freezes well, too. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace as the soup will expand. Frozen shrimp bisque will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be aware that shrimp texture can change slightly after freezing, so gently reheat to avoid toughness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling and to maintain the shrimp’s delicate texture. A slow, gentle warm-up ensures the bisque tastes just as amazing as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor in your bisque.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, vegetable or chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar can mimic the acidity and depth without the wine’s alcohol content.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Light blending helps to create a smooth, silky texture typical of bisques without making the soup overly smooth. It’s optional but highly recommended for that luxurious mouthfeel.
What type of cream should I use?
Heavy cream works best to create the rich, velvety texture in this bisque. Half-and-half can be used if you want a lighter option but expect a thinner consistency.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe relies on shrimp and butter for its signature flavor, but you could experiment with plant-based shrimp alternatives and vegan butter along with a vegetable broth base.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my top comfort foods to share with friends and family. Its perfect balance of richness, freshness, and a hint of elegance makes it a standout in any meal rotation. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you’re going to love the creamy texture, the bright lemon notes, and the tender shrimp that make each spoonful feel like a special treat!
Print
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rich and Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bisque Soup is a luxurious and velvety seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic, a splash of white wine, and rich cream. Finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this bisque offers a perfect balance of flavors in a smooth, comforting soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (approximately)
Instructions
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the peeled shrimp. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, leaving the butter in the pan.
- Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the butter in the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
- Blend the Soup Lightly: Using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches, blend the soup lightly to create a smooth but slightly textured bisque.
- Add Shrimp Back: Return the sautéed shrimp to the creamy bisque and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for best flavor and to avoid added sweetness.
- Careful not to overcook shrimp initially to keep them tender.
- For a thicker bisque, simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
- This soup can be prepared ahead and reheated gently to maintain creaminess.
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