Name: Chipotle Shrimp Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup red onion, diced; 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded, diced; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 can (7 ounces) Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, (use sauce only; discard peppers); 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) sweet corn, drained; 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained, rinsed; 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained; 5 cups (40 ounces) chicken broth; 1 cup (185 g) instant rice, uncooked; ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream; cilantro, chopped for garnish

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If you’re craving a bold and comforting meal with a touch of smoky heat, you have to try Chipotle Shrimp Soup. This dish is proof that a 30-minute recipe can deliver restaurant-worthy flavor right at home. Succulent shrimp are perfectly seared, then nestled in a creamy, chipotle-spiked broth along with tender rice, sweet corn, beans, and tomatoes. Every spoonful is luscious, irresistible, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites when you want dinner with a little extra personality.

Chipotle Shrimp Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chipotle Shrimp Soup plays a starring role in creating its craveable flavor and cozy texture. From the briny sweetness of shrimp to the rich chipotle sauce and creamy finish, these components work in perfect harmony. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Shrimp: Fresh, medium raw shrimp give the soup its hearty, satisfying bite—make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture.
Kosher salt: Seasoning the shrimp and soup builds layers of savory depth from the very start.
Ground black pepper: Just a touch brings a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop that gorgeous golden sear on the shrimp.
Red onion: Its gentle sweetness forms the foundation of the aromatic base.
Jalapeño pepper: Offers just the right amount of fresh, zesty heat—not overwhelming, but enough to wake up your palate.
Garlic: Nothing beats the savory aroma and flavor boost from minced garlic.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Use only the sauce for a smoky, complex kick—the signature heart of Chipotle Shrimp Soup.
Ground coriander: Brings a subtle citrusy note that complements both the shrimp and smoky chipotle.
Ground cumin: Earthy cumin adds warmth and complexity to every bite.
Sweet corn: The kernels add bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the spice.
Pinto beans: Creamy and satisfying, they bulk up the soup and soak up all those delicious flavors.
Petite diced tomatoes: Their acidity brightens the soup and blends beautifully with the chipotle broth.
Chicken broth: A robust, savory backbone for the entire pot.
Instant rice: Quick-cooking rice soaks up the broth and helps thicken the soup to silky perfection.
Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end, it transforms the soup into a luxurious treat.
Cilantro (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, herbal finish to every bowl.

How to Make Chipotle Shrimp Soup

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels, which helps them develop a gorgeous sear in the pot. Toss them in a bowl with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. This quick pre-season ensures each bite is seasoned all the way through—don’t skip this small but mighty step!

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer—they should sizzle right away! Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until just cooked through and lightly golden. Set them aside so they stay perfectly tender and won’t overcook in the soup.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add another splash of olive oil, followed by the chopped onion and diced jalapeño. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and begins to smell amazing. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute longer, taking care not to let it burn.

Step 4: Build the Chipotle Broth

Now the flavor fireworks begin! Pour in just the adobo sauce from the can of chipotle peppers, discarding the actual peppers unless you like things ultra spicy. Stir in the coriander, cumin, salt, sweet corn, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so those aromas and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Simmer

Bring the soup base to a gentle boil, then stir in the instant rice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, just until the rice is tender and the soup is thickened to your liking. The rice absorbs all that spicy, smoky broth, making the soup unbelievably satisfying.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Shrimp

Turn off the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the soup becomes luxuriously creamy and the color turns that signature chipotle-coral hue. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pot and let them warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. Your Chipotle Shrimp Soup is now ready to serve! Finish with plenty of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Chipotle Shrimp Soup

Garnishes

This soup absolutely shines with a few thoughtful toppings. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is a must for brightness, but you can also try thinly sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for crunch. Each garnish adds color, texture, and extra personality to your bowl of Chipotle Shrimp Soup.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with warm, crusty bread or soft flour tortillas for dunking—they soak up every last drop of that smoky, creamy broth. If you’re feeling festive, a light avocado salad or crunchy slaw brings a cooling element that contrasts the soup’s gentle heat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chipotle Shrimp Soup in bread bowls for an edible wow factor. Or, ladle it into small mugs or ramekins for a starter course at a dinner party. For family meals, present all the garnishes and sides on a platter so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chipotle Shrimp Soup keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something worth looking forward to!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Chipotle Shrimp Soup, wait until the soup has cooled completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the cream and cooked shrimp, adding them fresh when you reheat. The soup base keeps beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to return it to a silky consistency. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming, and add the shrimp and cream at the end to ensure they don’t become overcooked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great in Chipotle Shrimp Soup. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and ensures a fresh, bouncy texture in the final dish.

Is this soup very spicy?

The chipotle adobo sauce gives the soup a moderate, smoky heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the amount of adobo, then add more to taste. Conversely, for extra fire, you can blend in a bit of the actual chipotle peppers!

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely. For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free spin. If you like your soup on the brothy side, you can skip the cream altogether—the soup will still be deliciously bold and satisfying.

What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans are classic, but black beans or cannellini beans are excellent alternatives. They’ll add a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer for your Chipotle Shrimp Soup.

Can this soup be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Make the base ahead, then store the shrimp separately and add them just before serving. This ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender, even after reheating.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings warmth and vibrancy to the table quite like a pot of Chipotle Shrimp Soup. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night at home. Give it a shot, and don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your new favorite comfort recipes!