This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. The soup is rich, smooth, and full of seafood flavor. Each spoon gives you warm creamy joy.
If you love seafood, this recipe will make you very happy. It is simple, quick, and perfect for any day. You can make it for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering. Many people search for “How to make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque” because it tastes like a restaurant dish.
But this homemade version is even better. You only need simple steps and easy ingredients. If you want a cozy meal, this recipe is for you.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious bisque is the slow cooking of the broth. This allows the flavors of shrimp, crab, butter, garlic, and cream to mix perfectly.
Another secret is using fresh or good-quality seafood. When seafood is fresh, the bisque becomes sweet and rich without extra seasoning. Blending the soup also gives it a silky and smooth texture.
A touch of paprika and thyme adds deep aroma. The final swirl of heavy cream makes the soup luxurious. These small steps change the taste completely and create the best flavor.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Soup / Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl
Ingredients You Need for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cups seafood broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter and oil in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
2. Add Flour for Thickening
Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir well. Cook one minute to remove raw flour taste.
3. Add Broth Slowly
Pour broth little by little. Stir constantly. Let the mixture become smooth and creamy.
4. Add Seasonings
Add paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Mix everything well.
5. Simmer the Soup
Let the soup cook on low heat for 10 minutes. This helps flavors blend together.
6. Blend the Soup
Remove bay leaf. Blend the soup until smooth. Use a blender or immersion blender.
7. Add Cream and Milk
Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir well. Cook for five more minutes on low heat.
8. Add Seafood
Add shrimp and crab meat. Stir gently to warm the seafood without overcooking it.
9. Adjust Seasoning
Taste the bisque. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika if you want stronger flavor.
10. Serve Hot
Ladle the bisque into bowls. Add fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Do not boil the soup after adding cream. It may curdle.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If you want a thicker bisque, add one more teaspoon of flour in step two.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra richness.
- Replace shrimp with lobster for a luxury version.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Blend only half the soup if you want a chunkier texture.

Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread.
- Pair with a light green salad.
- Add a slice of toasted baguette for dipping.
- Enjoy with grilled cheese for comfort.
- Serve as a starter before a seafood dinner.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Do not freeze, because cream may separate.
- Reheat slowly on low heat. Avoid boiling.
- Add a splash of broth if the bisque becomes too thick.
FAQs About Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
1. Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat. But fresh crab gives the best taste and texture. If you use canned crab, drain it well and remove extra water before adding it to the soup. This helps the bisque stay creamy and not watery.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. But the bisque will be less rich. Heavy cream gives the classic silky texture. If you skip it, mix one tablespoon of butter to bring back some creaminess.
3. How do I make the bisque thicker?
Add more flour or simmer longer. The soup becomes thicker as water evaporates. You can also add more crab or shrimp, which increases body and texture.
4. Can I make this bisque spicy?
Yes. Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce. Start with a small amount. Adjust slowly so the flavor stays balanced with the creaminess.
5. Is seafood broth necessary?
Seafood broth gives the best flavor. But if you do not have it, chicken broth works well. You can also add shrimp shells to boiling water to make quick homemade broth.
Conclusion
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is warm, creamy, and full of comfort. The flavors blend beautifully, and the texture is smooth like velvet. It is easy to make, even if you are a beginner.
You only need simple steps and easy ingredients. This dish is perfect for family meals, special nights, or cold days. Now that you know How to make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, you can prepare it anytime you want
. Try it once, and it may become your favorite soup. Enjoy every warm and creamy spoon!

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked chopped shrimp
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat butter and oil in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
Add Flour for Thickening
- Add flour to the pot. Stir well. Cook for one minute to remove raw taste.
Add Broth Slowly
- Pour broth slowly. Stir the soup until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Seasonings
- Add paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Mix well.
Simmer the Soup
- Cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Let the flavors blend together.
Blend the Soup
- Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Add Cream and Milk
- Add heavy cream and milk. Stir well. Cook for five minutes on low.
Add Seafood
- Add shrimp and crab. Stir gently so the seafood warms without overcooking.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
Serve Hot
- Serve the soup in bowls. Add fresh parsley on top.
Notes
- Do not boil the soup after adding cream. It may curdle.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If you want a thicker bisque, add one more teaspoon of flour in step two.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra richness.
- Replace shrimp with lobster for a luxury version.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Blend only half the soup if you want a chunkier texture.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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