I’m a big fan of hearty soups that bring people together, and Cajun Shrimp Boil Soup does exactly that! The moment I served a steaming bowl of this to my family, the room filled with happy chatter and lots of “Mmm” sounds. It’s like having a classic shrimp boil, but in a comforting, flavorful soup form.
From the tender shrimp to the smoky sausage and perfectly cooked potatoes, it hits all the right notes. Plus, the kicks of Cajun seasoning and lemon bring a delightful depth of flavor. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your soup repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This is not just any soup; it’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
1. A One-Pot Wonder
This soup gets everything done in a single pot! Forget piles of dirty dishes because you’ll only need one large soup pot. Easy to make and even easier to clean. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal fuss. Plus, fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
2. Versatile and Customizable
From tweaking the spice level to adding veggies or extra seafood, you can make this soup truly your own. It’s perfect for picky eaters or adventurous cooks. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. It’s a flexible base that welcomes your creativity in the kitchen.
3. Packed with Bold, Spicy Flavor
Thanks to Cajun seasoning and Old Bay, this soup brings the perfect balance of heat and zest. No blandness here! Every spoonful wakes up your taste buds in the best way. If you love bold Southern-style cooking, this will hit the spot.
4. Comfort Food with a Fun Twist
Combining the fun of a seafood boil with the warmth of a soup makes this both exciting and familiar. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s cozy and comforting but with a lively, festive personality. Kids and adults alike will find something to love in every bowl.
5. Perfect for Any Season
Whether it’s cold outside or you’re craving a summery recipe, this soup adapts beautifully to any time of the year. Use fresh corn and seafood in summer or frozen ingredients in winter—it’s always delicious. It brings the feel of a backyard seafood feast to your table no matter the weather.
Cooking Time
This dish comes together quicker than you’d think!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to gather for the soup.
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
- Old Bay seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoked sausage
- Garlic
- Corn on the cob
- Redskin potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Chicken base
- Fresh thyme
- Hot sauce
- Shrimp
- Lemon juice
Variations
Make this dish suit your tastes with these exciting swaps and additions.
- Add diced bell peppers for more color and sweetness.
- Use andouille sausage for an authentic Cajun kick.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of redskin potatoes for a unique twist.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping creamy adjustments like blending.
Equipment You’ll Need
These tools will simplify the cooking process.
- Large Soup Pot: For cooking everything together.
- Cutting Board: To dice veggies and sausage.
- Chef’s Knife: For precise cutting.
- Immersion Blender: Optional, for thickening the soup.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Boil Soup?
Follow these cozy steps for a meal you’ll love. Get ready to fill your kitchen with incredible aroma!
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Heat a splash of olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and season them generously with salt, pepper, Old Bay, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. 🍲
Step 2: Add Sausage and Garlic
Now, toss in your diced sausage and minced garlic. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds that delicious, smoky base flavor! 🧄🌭
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Throw in diced redskin potatoes and corn kernels cut from the cob. Season them with a bit more salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, letting the veggies soak up all the flavor. 🥔🌽
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Pour in chicken broth and add a spoonful of chicken base for a rich, hearty flavor. Add fresh thyme and a few dashes of hot sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. For a creamier soup, you can pulse the mixture a few times with an immersion blender. 🍜
Step 5: Add Shrimp and Lemon
Finally, toss in peeled and deveined shrimp along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the shrimp are perfectly tender and pink. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, then serve hot!

Tips for Making the Recipe
These tips ensure your soup turns out absolutely perfect.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop the veggies and sausage before you start cooking to keep things smooth and stress-free.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Add the shrimp at the end to avoid them turning rubbery. They need just a few minutes to cook.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper and hot sauce based on your preference.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Boil Soup?
Turn this hearty soup into a complete meal with these ideas.
Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra Old Bay for some flair. A light green salad on the side pairs wonderfully, providing freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional values per serving.
- Calories: 519
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
This soup is ideal for meal prepping or storing leftovers.
If you want to make it ahead of time, cook everything except the shrimp. Add the shrimp when you’re ready to serve, so they stay tender and fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Warm it gently on the stove for the best taste when reheating.
With its bold flavors and comforting ingredients, Cajun Shrimp Boil Soup is a dish that’s guaranteed to impress! Give it a try and enjoy the amazing blend of Cajun-inspired goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!

Cajun Shrimp Boil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
- Old Bay seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoked sausage
- Garlic
- Corn on the cob
- Redskin potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Chicken base
- Fresh thyme
- Hot sauce
- Shrimp
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat a splash of olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and season them generously with salt, pepper, Old Bay, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Now, toss in your diced sausage and minced garlic. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds that delicious, smoky base flavor!
- Throw in diced redskin potatoes and corn kernels cut from the cob. Season them with a bit more salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, letting the veggies soak up all the flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and add a spoonful of chicken base for a rich, hearty flavor. Add fresh thyme and a few dashes of hot sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. For a creamier soup, you can pulse the mixture a few times with an immersion blender.
- Finally, toss in peeled and deveined shrimp along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the shrimp are perfectly tender and pink. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, then serve hot!
Notes
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop the veggies and sausage before you start cooking to keep things smooth and stress-free.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Add the shrimp at the end to avoid them turning rubbery. They need just a few minutes to cook.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper and hot sauce based on your preference.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the dish beautifully.