Preparation & Cooking Details
– Preparation time: 20 minutes
– Slow cooking time: 4–5 hours on LOW
– Shrimp cooking time: 15–25 minutes at the end
– Total time: Approximately 5 hours
– Servings: 6–8
– Difficulty: Easy
– Equipment: 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
– 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1½ lb (680 g) red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
Creamy Ingredients
– 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
– 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt to taste
Garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Wash the red potatoes thoroughly.
2. Cut them into small, evenly sized cubes.
3. Slice the smoked sausage into approximately ½-inch rounds.
4. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.
5. Dice the onion.
6. Mince the garlic.
7. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes.
8. Measure all seasonings and set aside.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
1. Place the sliced smoked sausage in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped red potatoes.
3. Add the corn kernels.
4. Add diced onion.
5. Add minced garlic.
6. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over everything.
7. Add smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
8. Pour in the chicken broth.
9. Add butter on top.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
Step 3: Slow Cook
1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
3. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours.
4. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Avoid overcooking the potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Base
1. Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
2. Add approximately ½ cup of warm broth from the slow cooker.
3. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add heavy whipping cream.
5. Mix until creamy and well combined.
This prevents large lumps of cream cheese from forming in the soup.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Mixture
1. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently.
3. Allow the soup to cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Taste the broth.
5. Adjust Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and salt as needed.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
1. Add the peeled and deveined raw shrimp.
2. Stir gently so the shrimp are distributed throughout the soup.
3. Cover the slow cooker.
4. Cook on HIGH for approximately 15–25 minutes, checking frequently.
5. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and reach 145°F (63°C).
Important: Add shrimp near the end rather than at the beginning. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery.
Step 7: Finish the Soup
1. Stir the soup gently.
2. Check that the potatoes are tender.
3. Make sure the sausage and shrimp are evenly distributed.
4. Adjust the thickness if needed.
For thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces against the side of the slow cooker and stir them into the broth.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
1. Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls.
2. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.
3. Add a little smoked paprika.
4. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
– Use raw shrimp rather than precooked shrimp for the best texture.
– Add shrimp only near the end of cooking.
– Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
– Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
– Soften cream cheese before mixing.
– Choose smoked sausage for deeper flavor.
– Taste before adding extra salt because Old Bay and sausage already contain sodium.
– If the soup becomes too thick, add a little warm chicken broth.
– If it is too thin, mash some of the cooked potatoes.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving
Nutrient Amount
Calories 510 kcal
Protein 25 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Total fat 34 g
Saturated fat 17 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 1,250 mg
Estimated values based on 8 servings. Actual nutrition depends on sausage, broth, cream cheese, and shrimp brands.
Nut Information (Q/S)
The basic recipe contains no nuts.
Nut type Amount
Almonds 0 g
Walnuts 0 g
Cashews 0 g
Pecans 0 g
Peanuts 0 g
Pistachios 0 g
Macadamia nuts 0 g
Hazelnuts 0 g
Allergen information:
– Contains shellfish (shrimp).
– Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream).
– Some sausage and seasoning products may contain additional allergens.
– Check packaging for possible nut cross-contamination.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
– Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because cream-based soups can separate and shrimp can become rubbery.
– Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop until steaming hot, stirring occasionally.
– Avoid repeatedly reheating the entire batch.
Delicious Variations
1. Spicy Cajun Seafood Soup: Add extra Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
2. Cheesy Shrimp Soup: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Chicken and Sausage Soup: Replace shrimp with cooked chicken.
4. Extra Corn Chowder: Add another cup of sweet corn.
5. Cajun Seafood Medley: Add cooked crab meat or scallops.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp Soup: Increase garlic and add a little extra butter.
7. Vegetable Seafood Soup: Add chopped celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
Best Side Dishes
– Garlic bread
– Buttery dinner rolls
– Cornbread
– Fresh green salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Cheddar biscuits
– Lemon wedges
Final Result
A thick, creamy, golden Cajun seafood soup filled with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender red potatoes, and sweet corn. The buttery Old Bay cream broth brings everything together for a rich, savory, restaurant-style meal.
Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Creamy Shrimp & Sausage Soup!