Name: Creamy Seafood Bisque
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 celery stalk finely chopped; 1 carrot peeled and finely chopped; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups seafood or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 1/2 pound fresh crab meat; 1/2 pound shrimp peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

This creamy seafood bisque is the kind of soul-warming soup you make when you want something cozy, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s filled with tender shrimp, fresh crab meat, and a savory broth enhanced with wine, cream, and aromatics.

Perfect for date nights, holidays, or when you’re craving a little luxury at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy texture – Thanks to milk, cream, and a touch of flour-thickened broth.

Loaded with seafood – Sweet crab and juicy shrimp in every bite.

Aromatic & flavorful – Onion, celery, carrot, and garlic provide the perfect base.

Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day.

Special occasion-worthy – Yet simple enough for a weeknight.

Ingredient Highlights (What You’ll Need)

Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.

Onion, celery, carrot & garlic – Classic base for depth and natural sweetness.

All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup without being heavy.

Seafood or chicken broth – Use what you have; both work great.

Heavy cream & milk – For that silky smooth bisque texture.

Crab meat & shrimp – The stars of the dish. Use fresh or high-quality frozen.

White wine & tomato paste – Add depth and umami.

Old Bay seasoning – A seafood classic. Enhances the flavor beautifully.

Fresh parsley – For color and brightness at the end.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Chop everything small – For a smooth texture without needing to blend too much.

Don’t skip the tomato paste – It brings a hint of sweetness and color.

Simmer gently – Avoid boiling once cream and milk are added to prevent curdling.

Use an immersion blender – For easy control over the final texture.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.

Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a light roux.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Seafood & Dairy
Add the cream, milk, crab, shrimp, wine, and tomato paste.

Stir well and let simmer 10–15 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Step 5: Season and Blend
Add Old Bay, salt, and pepper to taste.

Blend the soup to your preferred consistency using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Reheat gently if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley.

Serving Ideas

Crusty bread – Ideal for soaking up that creamy bisque.

Simple green salad – Keeps things light and fresh.

White wine – A chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions

Lobster or scallops – Swap or add for extra decadence.

No alcohol? – Replace wine with a splash of lemon juice and extra broth.

Gluten-free – Use GF flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezer – Freeze without the seafood and cream for best results.

Reheat – Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Can I use canned seafood?
Yes, just make sure it’s high-quality and well-drained.

Is it very fishy?
Not at all. The cream and aromatics mellow everything beautifully.

Can I skip blending it?
You can, but blending gives it that classic bisque texture.

What’s the best wine for this?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and milk.

Do I need Old Bay seasoning?
It’s highly recommended for flavor, but you can use Cajun or a seafood blend instead.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a bigger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.

Final Thoughts

This creamy seafood bisque is rich, comforting, and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bistro.

But the best part? You made it yourself—with simple ingredients and big rewards in flavor.