This Shrimp and Corn Soup is a creamy, cozy, slightly spicy dish perfect for chilly days. It blends tender shrimp, sweet corn, and rich cream into a bisque-like soup with layers of savory depth. A one-pot wonder, this quick and easy recipe comes together fast and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, especially when paired with warm, crusty bread.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup celery, chopped

• 4 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn

• 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, uncooked

• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (plus more to taste)

Directions:

1. Sauté Veggies: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add celery and white parts of green onions. Cook ~3 minutes until tender.

2. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.

3. Build the Base: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat. Remove pot from heat.

4. Add milk and cream, then return pot to heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

5. Add Corn: Stir in cream-style corn and corn kernels. Simmer about 5 minutes until thickened.

6. Add Shrimp: Add shrimp and Old Bay seasoning. Stir and cook ~3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with green parts of green onions and serve warm.

Nutrients:

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 628 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 40g (Saturated Fat: 24g)

• Carbohydrates: 48g (Net Carbs: 45g)

• Sugar: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

• Cholesterol: 267mg

• Sodium: 1538mg

• Potassium: 659mg

• Calcium: 278mg

• Iron: 2mg

Let me know if you’d like a printable version, spicy variation, or dairy-free adaptation!

A Southern-Style Favorite with Bold Personality

Shrimp and corn are a natural pairing in Southern cuisine, and this soup captures their harmony beautifully. The sweet crunch of corn plays off the briny tenderness of shrimp, all brought together in a thick, creamy broth infused with garlic, celery, green onions, and a gentle heat from Old Bay seasoning. Every bite delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy—a comforting flavor profile that’s rich but not overwhelming. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal, yet elegant enough to open a dinner party or accompany a festive holiday menu.

The Creamy Broth That Brings It All Together

The heart of this soup is its luscious, velvety base. Made with whole milk and heavy cream, the broth is thickened with a simple flour roux, giving it that classic creamy texture without requiring hours of simmering. The cream-style corn contributes extra richness and sweetness while also thickening the broth naturally. This creates a silky texture reminiscent of a bisque, but without the fuss. The combination of milk, cream, and corn yields a soup that feels indulgent but remains approachable and easy to make on any weeknight.

A Flavorful Foundation of Aromatics

Every great soup starts with a flavorful base, and this one builds its depth with a blend of sautéed celery, garlic, and the white parts of green onions. Butter adds a rich mouthfeel and carries the flavors as they develop. These aromatics don’t just season the broth—they lay the foundation for the entire dish, infusing it with a savory backbone that complements the sweetness of the corn and the delicacy of the shrimp. The green parts of the onions are reserved as a fresh garnish that adds brightness to the finished bowl.

Perfectly Tender Shrimp in Every Spoonful

Shrimp are the highlight of this soup, bringing a subtle seafood flavor and satisfying protein boost. They’re added toward the end of cooking to preserve their delicate texture, cooking in just a few minutes until perfectly opaque. Their slight firmness contrasts nicely with the creamy broth and soft vegetables, offering balance and variety in every bite. Fresh or frozen shrimp work equally well here, as long as they’re peeled and deveined. Keeping them in bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and a pleasant, tender chew in every spoonful.

Sweet Corn, Two Ways for Texture and Flavor

Corn is featured in two forms in this recipe, each serving a purpose. The cream-style corn blends seamlessly into the broth, contributing both sweetness and a bit of thickness. The whole kernels, whether fresh or frozen, add bursts of texture and vibrant flavor. This dual approach ensures the soup doesn’t feel one-note—each bite offers a little pop of sweetness and a soft creaminess that feels deeply satisfying. It’s this clever use of corn that gives the soup its signature balance and heartiness.

Old Bay Seasoning: The Secret Weapon

Old Bay seasoning is the quiet powerhouse in this dish. With its complex mix of spices like paprika, celery salt, and black pepper, it enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor while adding a subtle kick. Just two teaspoons are enough to bring warmth and depth to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s a staple in many Southern seafood dishes for good reason, and here it provides that little something extra that keeps people coming back for another bowl. You can always add more if you want a spicier profile—or pair it with a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.

A Comforting Meal That’s Surprisingly Easy

Despite its richness and complexity of flavor, this soup is incredibly simple to make. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly and doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights, where you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend at the stove. It’s also make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day with just as much flavor.

Nutrition with a Touch of Indulgence

Each serving of this soup provides approximately 628 calories, along with 25 grams of protein and 40 grams of fat, most of which comes from the cream and butter. It’s rich, yes, but balanced by the natural lean protein of shrimp and the fiber from corn and celery. The carbohydrate content sits around 48 grams, with about 3 grams of fiber and 12 grams of natural sugar. It’s also high in cholesterol due to the seafood and cream, but for an occasional indulgence, it’s a delicious and comforting choice. Nutrients like calcium, potassium, and iron add to its appeal, making this a filling and fortifying meal.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Tips

This soup is deeply satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few well-chosen sides. Warm, crusty bread is a must—perfect for soaking up the last drops of creamy broth. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the soup’s richness. For a heartier spread, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple rice pilaf. It also pairs well with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Garnishing with extra green onion, cracked pepper, or a swirl of cream adds visual appeal and another layer of flavor.

Versatile for Gatherings or Solo Comfort

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this Shrimp and Corn Soup fits the occasion. It’s festive enough for holidays and cozy enough for snow days. You can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker, serve it in mugs at a casual dinner party, or ladle it into bowls for a family-style meal. It scales easily, freezes well, and appeals to a wide range of palates. Even those who don’t usually love seafood may find themselves won over by the comforting blend of sweet corn, rich broth, and gentle spice.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Creamy, Coastal Comfort

Shrimp and Corn Soup is the definition of cold-weather comfort. With its creamy texture, savory depth, and bright Southern flavors, it hits the perfect note between indulgence and nourishment. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting friends or curling up on the couch with a blanket and bowl in hand, this soup offers a taste of coastal comfort you’ll want to return to again and again. One pot, big flavor, and just the right amount of spice—that’s a recipe worth keeping.