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The Best Creamy Seafood Chowder

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup / Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Seafood

Description

Description This Creamy Seafood Chowder is rich, flavorful, and packed with tender pieces of shrimp, scallops, and fish. The creamy base is made from a delicious blend of butter, cream, and fresh seasonings, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make for a cozy dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and white fish like cod or haddock, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  • Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add potatoes and corn: Stir in the diced potatoes and corn kernels. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then pour in the seafood stock (or chicken broth). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  • Make the creamy base: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
  • Add the seafood: Gently add the mixed seafood to the chowder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
  • Finish the chowder: Stir in the lemon juice (if using) for a fresh, zesty flavor. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Notes

  • For a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup with a fork or immersion blender.
  • If you can’t find fresh seafood, frozen seafood works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the chowder.
  • You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg