Creamy Shrimp Bisque

Name: Creamy Shrimp Bisque
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Française
Ingredients: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Juice of 1 lemon + salt (for marinating); 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 200 ml heavy cream; 150 g cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and white pepper to taste; Fresh chives for garnish

By Marie Lefebvre · Updated September 17, 2026

A rich and velvety shrimp bisque that comes together in just 30 minutes. Blended aromatics create a silky, flavour-packed base, while quickly sautéed shrimp add a satisfying, tender bite. Perfect as an elegant starter or a hearty main served over fluffy white rice.

Prep⏱️ 30 min

Servings👥 8 servings

Difficulty📊 Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

8 servings

1 kg (2.2 lbs) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice of 1 lemon + salt (for marinating)
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
200 ml heavy cream
150 g cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and white pepper to taste
Fresh chives for garnish

🛍️ Recommended tools

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Directions

1
Season the shrimp with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
2
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3
Add the diced tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
4
Add about 250 g (½ lb) of the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5
Blend the mixture until completely smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
6
Return the blended sauce to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until fully melted and the bisque just begins to simmer.
7
In a separate skillet, sauté the remaining shrimp in olive oil over high heat for 1–2 minutes, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Do not overcook.
8
Fold the sautéed shrimp into the bisque, adjust seasoning and serve immediately garnished with freshly snipped chives.
9
Wonderful with steamed white rice, fresh pasta, or spooned generously over a grilled white fish fillet.

💡 Chef's Tip

For the creamiest texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully at room temperature before adding it — cold cream cheese can clump and break the sauce. Keep a close eye on the sautéed shrimp: they only need 1–2 minutes at high heat; overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their natural sweetness.