Creamy Seafood Chowder

This creamy seafood chowder is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for a rich, flavorful soup that brings together a variety of seafood. The combination of shrimp, scallops, and white fish makes every bite a burst of savory goodness, while the creamy base adds a smooth texture that perfectly complements the vegetables. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with seafood enthusiasts.

Ingredients to Create the Perfect Seafood Chowder

To start, gather the following ingredients to make this indulgent seafood chowder:

• ¼ cup butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced: This aromatic vegetable is key to creating a flavorful base for the chowder.
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a classic seafood flavor with a hint of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Provides an earthy, herby note that enhances the chowder.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the chowder and gives it that creamy consistency.
• 1 rib celery, sliced: A fresh and crisp texture that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 carrot, sliced: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch to the soup.
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed: Potatoes help to give the chowder its hearty, comforting texture.
• ½ cup corn kernels: Adds a subtle sweetness and pop of color to the chowder.
• 5 cups chicken broth or seafood broth: A flavorful base that brings all the elements together.
• ½ cup white wine: Helps to elevate the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
• 8 ounces white fish (like cod, salmon, tilapia, or haddock), cut into chunks: A mild, flaky fish that blends beautifully with the other seafood.
• 8 ounces sea scallops: Their sweet, tender texture adds a luxurious touch to the soup.
• 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: These plump shrimp bring a satisfying bite to the chowder.
• 6.5 ounces chopped clams (canned, drained): Adds another layer of seafood flavor and depth.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Gives the chowder its signature creamy texture and richness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and a mild herbal finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out all the flavors.

How to Make the Best Seafood Chowder

1. Sauté the Onion: Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it for 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. This will form the aromatic base for the chowder.
2. Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning and dried thyme leaves, cooking for another minute to allow the spices to bloom. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to cook it for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures the chowder will thicken nicely.
3. Add Vegetables and Broth: Toss in the sliced celery, carrots, potatoes, and corn kernels. Pour in the chicken broth (or seafood broth) and white wine. Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The potatoes should become tender during this time.
4. Stir in the Seafood: Add the chunks of white fish, sea scallops, shrimp, and canned clams. Stir gently to combine. Then, pour in the heavy whipping cream and allow the chowder to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through. The fish should be flaky, the scallops tender, and the shrimp should turn a beautiful pink.
5. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Once the seafood is cooked, stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the chowder and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of seafood and vegetables in each serving. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Chowder

• Use Fresh Seafood: If possible, opt for fresh seafood to enhance the flavors of the chowder. However, frozen seafood works just as well if fresh isn’t available.
• Adjust the Thickness: If the chowder is too thick, add a bit more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker chowder, simmer it for a bit longer to allow the vegetables to break down.
• Substitute Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the potatoes or add other vegetables like leeks or parsnips for a different twist on the classic recipe.

This seafood chowder is a comforting and rich meal that will satisfy your seafood cravings. The variety of seafood, combined with the creamy base and hearty vegetables, makes it the ultimate soup for any occasion.

Creamy Seafood Chowder

This Creamy Seafood Chowder is a rich and hearty dish packed with shrimp, scallops, and white fish in a flavorful broth. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ tsp dried thyme leaves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 rib celery, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 5 cups chicken or seafood broth
• ½ cup white wine
• 8 oz white fish (cod, salmon, tilapia, or haddock), cut into chunks
• 8 oz sea scallops
• 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6.5 oz canned chopped clams, drained
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Create the Base: Stir in flour, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme, cooking for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Vegetables & Broth: Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, broth, and wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add Seafood & Cream: Stir in the seafood (fish, scallops, shrimp, and clams) and cream. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until seafood is fully cooked.
5. Finish & Serve: Garnish with parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 577 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 301mg
• Sodium: 1541mg
• Potassium: 732mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 3650 IU
• Vitamin C: 15.3mg
• Calcium: 182mg
• Iron: 4.7mg

Pro Tips

✔ For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the seafood.
✔ Want extra flavor? Add bacon or smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
✔ Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.