Creamy Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup

Craving the bold, spicy flavors of New Orleans but sticking to a low-carb diet? This Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup is the ultimate comfort food hack that brings all the soulful, warming vibes of Louisiana cooking right to your kitchen—without derailing your macros!

Picture this: tender bites of juicy chicken and plump, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a rich, creamy, spice-infused broth loaded with colorful bell peppers and crisp celery. Every spoonful delivers that signature Cajun kick that makes your taste buds dance, while keeping you completely satisfied and on track with your keto lifestyle.

And here’s the best part—this Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup is a one-pot meal that tastes absolutely indulgent but is perfectly keto-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this soup is about to become your new obsession.

Why This is the Perfect Low-Carb Winter Meal

Let me tell you why this Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

High Protein and Healthy Fats: With both chicken and shrimp as your protein stars, plus the rich cream base, this soup delivers the perfect macros to keep you satisfied for hours. No mid-afternoon cravings here! The combination of lean protein and quality fats means you’re fueling your body exactly the way keto is meant to work.

Big, Bold Flavor: Cajun cuisine is all about layers of spice—think smoky paprika, fiery cayenne, aromatic garlic, and earthy thyme. These spices wake up your palate and transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary, all without adding a single carb. You get maximum flavor impact with zero guilt.

One-Pot Wonder: After a long day, who wants to face a sink full of dishes? This entire soup comes together in one pot, which means easy cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your meal. It’s the kind of practical magic that makes weeknight cooking feel effortless.

Luxuriously Creamy Texture: You won’t believe this soup is keto when you taste how velvety and rich it is. We’re creating that restaurant-quality creaminess without using flour, cornstarch, or any other high-carb thickeners. It’s pure indulgence that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

The Secret to Thickening Soup on Keto

One of the biggest challenges when going low-carb is achieving that perfect, spoon-coating consistency in soups without traditional thickeners. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with these keto-approved techniques!

Xanthan Gum Magic: This is your secret weapon! Just a tiny pinch (and I mean truly tiny—start with 1/8 teaspoon) of xanthan gum can thicken your broth beautifully without adding any carbs or calories. It’s a plant-based thickener that works like magic. Just whisk it in slowly while the soup is simmering to avoid clumps, and watch your broth transform into liquid silk.

The Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese Combination: This dynamic duo is the backbone of our creamy texture. The heavy cream adds richness and body, while cream cheese brings a subtle tang and extra thickness that makes every bite feel decadent. When you melt the cream cheese into the hot broth, it creates this velvety, luscious base that coats the chicken and shrimp perfectly.

Pureed Veggie Method (Optional): Here’s a bonus tip for extra thickness without any additives: after sautéing your vegetables, remove about a cup of them (especially if you’re using cauliflower florets), blend them until smooth, and stir them back into the soup. This creates natural body and adds a subtle depth of flavor. It’s a great technique if you want to avoid xanthan gum altogether!

How to Make Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup

Ready to get cooking? This Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. Here’s your step-by-step guide to soup perfection:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning Start by cutting your chicken thighs (they’re more flavorful and stay tender!) into bite-sized pieces. Toss them generously with Cajun seasoning—don’t be shy here! Heat a large pot or Dutch oven with a tablespoon of butter or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. You’re not cooking it through yet—just building that beautiful caramelized flavor. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the “Holy Trinity” In the same pot (all those flavorful brown bits are gold!), add diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced bell peppers—the classic Louisiana flavor base known as the “Holy Trinity.” Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. Add minced garlic during the last minute and let it bloom in the heat. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right now!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base Pour in your chicken broth (about 4 cups) and bring to a gentle simmer. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add it to the pot, whisking constantly as it melts into the broth. This is where the magic happens! Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, stir in the heavy cream and return your seared chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp Last Here’s the crucial tip: shrimp cook incredibly fast—we’re talking 3-4 minutes max! Add your raw shrimp during the final minutes of cooking. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch carefully. Give everything a final taste and adjust your seasoning if needed. That’s it—dinner is served!

Customizing Your Spice Level

The beauty of this Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup is that you’re in complete control of the heat. Here’s how to make it your own:

Prefer It Mild? Start with a mild Cajun seasoning blend (check the label—some brands are fiery!). Skip any additional cayenne pepper, and you’ll still get all those wonderful aromatic spices like paprika, oregano, and thyme without the sweat-inducing heat. It’s perfect for families with kids or anyone who prefers flavor over fire.

Bring the Heat! If you’re a spice lover like me, kick things up a notch! Add diced jalapeños with your Holy Trinity vegetables, splash in your favorite hot sauce at the end, or sprinkle extra cayenne pepper into your Cajun seasoning. You can even garnish with sliced fresh jalapeños for that beautiful presentation and an extra punch.

Want It Smoky? Add sliced Andouille sausage for that authentic Louisiana smokiness and an extra protein boost. Just be sure to check the label for hidden sugars or fillers that could add unwanted carbs. Slice the sausage and brown it with the chicken in Step 1 for maximum flavor development. The rendered fat from the sausage will add even more richness to your soup!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Let’s talk about keeping this delicious soup fresh and ready to enjoy throughout the week!

Best Served Fresh (But Still Great as Leftovers): Seafood soups are always at their peak flavor when freshly made, but the good news is that this Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup reheats beautifully if you follow one important rule: don’t overcook the shrimp initially. If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider cooking the shrimp just until they barely turn pink. They’ll finish cooking when you reheat, staying perfectly tender instead of rubbery.

Proper Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight as everything marinates together, so day-two soup is often even more delicious!

Gentle Reheating is Key: Here’s where people often go wrong with creamy soups. Never microwave or boil this soup aggressively when reheating—the cream can separate and the shrimp will turn tough. Instead, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s just warmed through. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.

Freezing Tips: While I generally don’t recommend freezing cream-based soups with seafood (the texture can suffer), you can freeze the base without the shrimp. Make the soup through Step 3, cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and add fresh shrimp in those final minutes of cooking. It’s like having a semi-homemade meal ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp are perfect for even faster meal prep. Just add them during the last minute of cooking—you’re only warming them through, not cooking them. This drops your total cooking time to about 20 minutes and is perfect for those super busy weeknights. Just remember that pre-cooked shrimp are already seasoned, so you might want to adjust your Cajun seasoning accordingly.

Is Cajun seasoning keto-friendly? Generally, yes! Most Cajun seasoning blends are just a mix of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme—all perfectly keto. However, always check the label because some commercial blends sneak in added sugar, cornstarch, or other fillers that can add hidden carbs. When in doubt, make your own blend at home where you control every ingredient!

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a can of coconut milk) and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly—you’ll get a subtle coconut undertone that actually pairs beautifully with Cajun spices—but it will still be incredibly creamy and satisfying. This makes the soup paleo-friendly as well!

Conclusion

This Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup proves once and for all that you don’t need carbs to have a cozy, flavorful, soul-satisfying dinner. With its creamy texture, bold spices, and perfect protein-packed macros, it’s the kind of meal that makes sticking to your keto lifestyle feel like a celebration rather than a sacrifice.

Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or a seasoned keto veteran, this soup delivers on every level—taste, nutrition, convenience, and pure comfort. It’s restaurant-quality flavor made right in your own kitchen in less time than it would take to order takeout!

Ready to spice up your keto meal plan tonight? Grab your ingredients and get that pot simmering! I can’t wait to hear what you think—let me know if you add sausage for extra smokiness or how spicy you made yours. Drop a comment below and share your experience!

And don’t forget to save this low-carb recipe to your “Keto Recipes” board on Pinterest so you can find it again whenever those Cajun cravings hit. Trust me, once you make this Keto Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Soup, it’s going to be on repeat in your house!

Happy cooking, friends!