Healthy Soups for Dinner – Creamy Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp

Introduction

Few dishes evoke the comfort and elegance of a well-prepared bisque, and this Creamy Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp is a standout for dinner. Its velvety texture, delicate herbs, and the fresh flavors of seafood turn an ordinary evening into a special occasion. Despite its rich taste, this bisque is crafted with healthier substitutions so you can indulge without guilt.

The Secret to a Flavorful, Healthy Seafood Bisque

What sets this bisque apart is the blend of real crab and tender shrimp, paired with lighter cream options and a vibrant mix of vegetables. This creates a satisfying, nutritious dinner that feels luxurious without being heavy. The subtle sweetness of crab, the mild brininess of shrimp, and a touch of smoky paprika come together to please any seafood lover—and make this soup a true crowd pleaser.

Building the Creamy Bisque Base

To keep this soup both creamy and healthy, the base uses low-fat milk and a little Greek yogurt instead of traditional heavy cream. Sautéed aromatics like shallots, celery, and garlic create a foundation of flavor, while a splash of dry white wine brightens every spoonful. A quick simmer ensures the seafood stays perfectly tender.

How to Assemble Creamy Seafood Bisque

Begin by gently cooking your aromatics, then add broth and milk, allowing the flavors to meld. The shrimp and crab get folded in last, preserving their delicate texture. A quick blend (with an immersion blender or traditional blender) gives the soup a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, and a final stir of Greek yogurt delivers a creamy richness—without the calories.

Serving Suggestions for a Gourmet Soup Night

This bisque shines as a main course or an elegant starter. Garnish with fresh chives, a swirl of extra Greek yogurt, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color. Serve with a whole-grain baguette or a crisp green salad to create a wholesome, filling dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each bowl contains approximately 300 calories, 7g fat, and over 25g of protein—making it a heart-healthy choice packed with nutrients from seafood and vegetables.

Creamy Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp (Recap)

By combining fresh seafood, creamy (yet light) ingredients, and aromatic vegetables, this bisque makes a sensational healthy soup for dinner. Each spoonful brings a taste of the sea and a touch of restaurant-worthy sophistication—without the fuss.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a perfectly organized shopping list. You’ll cut down on time in the aisles and won’t forget a single item—ideal for healthy meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallot and celery, sautéing until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute.
2. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring well to form a roux. Cook for 2 more minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.
3. Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, followed by the wine. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly (about 4 minutes).
4. Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Cook gently until the shrimp turns pink and the crab is heated through, about 4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. If a smoother texture is desired, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender) to puree the soup to your liking.
6. Stir in Greek yogurt, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Ladle into bowls, topping with chives and an extra dollop of yogurt if desired.
7. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Seafood Bisque is an exceptional choice for weekly dinner rotations, particularly on nights when you crave comfort without sacrificing health. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal planner to generate smart, automatic shopping lists and seamlessly coordinate all your weeknight dinners.

Planning Benefits:

• Auto-calculates total ingredient quantities for all saved recipes
• Sorts groceries by department for speedy shopping trips
• Helps you track what you need, reducing food waste and extra purchases
• Makes it easy to balance nutrition and variety in your weekly meals

Pro tip: When planning a week of healthy soups for dinner, schedule all your recipes together to see overlapping ingredients—like broth or fresh herbs. Your shopping list will automatically combine quantities, making sure you get exactly what you need.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes