This Shrimp Tortilla Soup is a one-pot meal ready to serve in under 30 minutes. It is the perfect low-carb solution for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, protein packed dinner.
I love how the broth is infused with zesty lime and smoky chipotle. It adds an incredible flavor explosion in every bite. I honestly can't get enough of its spicy warmth, and I know it will become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Why You'll Love Shrimp Tortilla Soup
Low Carb: this Shrimp Tortilla Soup is my favorite way to enjoy comfort food without the guilt. It is hearty and satisfies those spicy cravings with only 7 net carbs per serving.
Comfort food: the smoky warmth of the broth always makes me feel so cozy on a chilly evening. I promise your tastebuds will be begging for another bowl of this delicious soup!
One Pot Meal: I love that this entire dinner is ready in under 30 minutes with almost no cleanup. You get that slow-simmered homemade taste without spending all night standing over the stove.
Key Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Soup
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Mushrooms: the low carb hero of the dish, providing a "meaty" texture and earthy flavor in place of traditional black beans.
- Chipotle chili powder: this is where that signature "vibrant flavor" comes from, adding a deep, smoky heat that defines the soup.
- Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce: using this high-quality sauce is a great shortcut that provides rich, savory tomato base without added sugars.
- Raw medium shrimp: these cook quickly (in under 30 minutes!) and serve as a lean, high-protein star that keeps the meal light.
- Fresh lime juice: adding this at the very end brightens all the smoky spices and gives the broth that authentic, zesty finish.
Low Carb Substitutions for Shrimp Tortilla Soup
- The protein: if you are out of shrimp, you can try using precooked shredded chicken or even firm tofu cubes.
- The healthy fat: you can easily swap the ghee for extra virgin olive oil if you prefer a plant-based fat source.
- The broth: if you don't have chicken broth, homemade shrimp stock adds an even deeper ocean flavor.
Variations for Shrimp Tortilla Soup
- Creamy chipotle version: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or full fat coconut milk at the very end. This creates a richer version that perfectly balances the smoky heat.
- Green chili twist: Alternatively, you can swap the marinara and chipotle powder for a jar of salsa verde and diced green chilies. This change creates a bright, tangy verde style shrimp soup.
- Zesty Tex-Mex style: Add a tablespoon of taco seasoning and a splash of tomato juice to the base. This gives the broth a deeper, more traditional Tex-Mex chili-lime flair.
My Top Tips for Low Carb Soup
- Crispy Low Carb Strips: slice low carb or zero carb flour or corn tortillas into thin strips and flash-fry them until they are golden brown.
- Maximize flavor: don't toss those shrimp shells! Use them to simmer a quick homemade shrimp stock to use as your base for a much deeper, richer seafood flavor.
- Tender shrimp: add your shrimp at the very end and only simmer until they just turn pink. This keeps them tender and juicy instead of rubbery.
Serve With...
Pair this zesty soup with low carb buffalo shrimp quesadillas or shrimp enchiladas (made with low carb tortillas) for a hearty low-carb Mexican feast. For a lighter side, a Spanish Cauliflower Rice or a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the smoky chipotle flavors.
How to Store
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the thawed soup on low heat in a large saucepan until it is warmed through.
More Mexican Inspired Favorites
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my hearty Beef Enchilada Soup for a rich, beefy alternative. For more quick weeknight wins, try my Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas, Chipotle Shrimp Tacos, or this flavorful Chicken Taco Soup.
I really hope you love this soup! If you give it a try, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below. I love hearing from you and it helps other readers so much.
As always, I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Shrimp Tortilla Soup
Equipment
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- 2 cups chopped mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2½ cups Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, melt ghee over medium high heat.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms to ghee and cook about 5 minutes, until vegetables are translucent and mushrooms have released their water.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili, chipotle, and garlic powder over vegetables and stir to combine.
- Add chicken broth and Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce to vegetables. Cover and let simmer about 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and lime juice. Stir to combine. Cover soup pot and simmer 5-7 minutes.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- This recipe makes a large volume of soup. The nutrition information is calculated for 4 servings for a main dish but can also serve up to 6 people as an appetizer. Net Carbs: 7
- Nutrition information calculated using myfitnesspal is provided as a courtesy, but will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Please consult with your doctor regarding specific health needs.
Marie Day says
I made this last night and we loved it! It will be going into our regular rotation.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Marie, so happy to hear this, thank you so much for letting me know! Shelby
Sue Lau says
Great soup option for low carb!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This looks perfect for colder nights!
debi at Life Currents says
This soup sounds perfect for us for a great comforting meal this week. Thanks