Campbell’s Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered down the soup aisle at your local grocery store, you’ve likely come across the iconic Campbell’s Soup cans. Known for their comforting flavors and easy-to-make meals, Campbell’s soups have become a staple in many kitchens. One of their standout offerings is Campbell’s Cream of Shrimp Soup-a velvety, flavorful blend that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the rich, creamy goodness of a classic soup base. But, did you know that you can make a homemade version that’s just as delicious and packed with even more flavor?

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting starter for a special meal, homemade cream of shrimp soup is a fantastic option. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, and the best part? You can tailor it to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Let’s dive into a homemade version of Campbell’s Cream of Shrimp Soup-one that’s rich, full of flavor, and made with love from scratch.

Campbell’s Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe that will allow you to recreate Campbell’s famous Cream of Shrimp Soup at home. Trust me, it’s as creamy, flavorful, and satisfying as the store-bought version, but even better!

Ingredients Needed

For a rich and creamy bowl of shrimp goodness, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed) – Fresh or frozen, though fresh shrimp will give a better flavor.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – The butter will create a luxurious base for the soup, adding richness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the shrimp’s briny flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings a bit of aromatic punch and enhances the shrimp.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – For thickening the soup, creating that signature creamy texture.
• 2 cups chicken or seafood broth – For a hearty, flavorful liquid base.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This will make the soup wonderfully creamy and smooth.
• 1/2 tsp salt – To bring out the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper – For a little kick.
• 1/4 tsp paprika – Adds color and a mild, smoky depth.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – If you like a bit of heat, cayenne adds a nice touch.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish) – For a burst of color and a fresh finish.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cool water. Once thawed, remove the shells and tails and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns golden. This is your roux, which will thicken the soup and give it that creamy consistency.
4. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or seafood broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take around 5 minutes.
5. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the soup and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
7. Season the Soup: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
8. Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in bringing out the best flavors, creating a balanced, creamy, and satisfying soup:

• Shrimp: The star of the show. Shrimp is a naturally sweet and slightly briny seafood that brings a burst of ocean flavor to the dish. Using fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can be a convenient alternative.
• Butter: Butter is used not only for sautéing the onions and garlic but also for infusing the soup with richness and depth. The fat content in butter adds a velvety mouthfeel that is essential to creating a creamy texture.
• Flour: This simple pantry staple helps to thicken the soup without altering its taste. When mixed with the butter, it forms a roux, which is the foundation of many creamy soups.
• Heavy Cream: For that signature richness, heavy cream is the key ingredient. It makes the soup smooth, indulgent, and comforting. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap it out for half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as luxurious.
• Broth: The broth adds an essential savory depth to the soup. Chicken broth works fine, but seafood broth will intensify the flavor profile and complement the shrimp even more.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, use fresh shrimp for a superior taste and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch, but fresh shrimp will provide a more natural, sweet flavor and a firmer texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly-about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking can result in tough, rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye on them while they’re in the soup.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add a little more broth or water to thin it out. For a richer, more indulgent soup, you can increase the amount of heavy cream.
• Flavor Balance: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. The paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper are all customizable depending on your flavor preferences.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, like many soups, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Just reheat gently over low heat.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Soup: Add extra cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a spicy kick. You can also top the soup with some finely diced jalapeños for added heat.
• Vegetarian Version: If you want a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with chopped mushrooms or cauliflower for a similarly meaty texture. You can also swap out the seafood broth for vegetable broth.
• Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This will give the soup a slightly different flavor but will still provide that rich texture.
• Add Veggies: If you want to pack in more vegetables, consider adding peas, corn, or even spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Final Words

Homemade Cream of Shrimp Soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that doesn’t require hours of preparation. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or as a starter to a more elaborate dinner, it offers an indulgent balance of richness, flavor, and texture. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate a version that rivals the store-bought kind-and, dare we say, surpass it.

The beauty of this soup is how versatile it is. You can make it as decadent or light as you like, and you can always adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. The shrimp is the star, but every ingredient comes together to form a cohesive, delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.