Step 1

Chop the bacon into small pieces and sautee the bacon with the diced onion, celery, and carrots over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2

Add the chicken broth, chipotle, bay leaf and thyme. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Add the red bell pepper and bring back to a simmer.

Step 4

Add the shrimp and cream. If the shrimp are pre-cooked, just heat the soup to a boil, then season with salt and pepper and serve. Simmer the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes if the shrimp is uncooked.