The Creamiest Easy Seafood Chowder Recipe for Cozy Nights

My grandma’s creamy seafood chowder promises comfort in every single spoonful.

Memories of coastal summers dance through this hearty soup recipe.

Fishermen along New England shores have perfected such dishes for generations.

Tender chunks of white fish mingle with sweet corn kernels and silky potatoes.

Robust flavors emerge from carefully selected ingredients and patient simmering.

Crisp bacon pieces add a delightful crunch that makes this chowder irresistible.

You can whip up this soul-warming meal in less than an hour.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a seaside haven with this classic recipe.

Easy Seafood Chowder Feels Like Coastal Comfort

• Quick and Simple Weeknight Meal: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Seafood Feast: Packed with protein-rich seafood like shrimp, scallops, and fish, offering a balanced and healthy meal that provides essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Comforting One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a hassle-free dinner solution that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that can easily be customized with different seafood options or additional vegetables, making it suitable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Quick & Easy Seafood Chowder Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds delicate ocean flavor, wild-caught recommended for best taste.
• Scallops: Delicate and buttery seafood that enhances the chowder's richness, look for fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Fish: Flaky white fish that provides additional protein and seafood complexity, such as cod or halibut.

• Onion, Celery: Classic soup base that builds deep flavor foundation, fresh and crisp vegetables preferred.
• Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that creates creamy texture and adds substance, waxy varieties work best.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background flavor without overwhelming seafood notes.

• Seafood Stock: Rich liquid base that intensifies oceanic taste, homemade or high-quality store-bought recommended.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and luxurious texture, whole milk provides best consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables, unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.

• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements seafood flavors, fresh or dried both acceptable.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note.

EASY Seafood Chowder Cooking Guide

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Gently cook onions and celery, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, savory aroma.

The vegetables will create a delicious flavor foundation for your chowder.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add potatoes, seafood stock, garlic powder, and thyme to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the ingredients mingle and potatoes soften until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Creamy Texture

Pour in milk and heavy cream, transforming the broth into a rich, velvety liquid.

Stir gently and let the mixture return to a soft simmer.

Allow the flavors to blend and the liquid to slightly thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Seafood Treasures

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Fish

Gently simmer the seafood until it’s perfectly cooked through and becomes opaque, typically 5-7 minutes.

Be careful not to overcook, as seafood can quickly become tough.

Step 5: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the chowder and adjust with salt and pepper.

Each palate is different, so trust your taste buds to create the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chowder into warm bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Cozy Chowder Tips for Easy Seafood Nights

• Select high-quality, fresh seafood for the most flavorful and tender chowder, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious ocean taste.
• Watch carefully during the final cooking stage, as seafood can quickly become tough and rubbery if simmered too long.
• Swap or mix different seafood like crab, clams, or white fish to create your personalized chowder based on availability and preference.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more cream for a richer texture or a splash of seafood stock if the chowder becomes too thick during cooking.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Seafood Chowder Storage and Reheat Ideas

• Store leftover seafood chowder in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Carefully transfer chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with potatoes as they can become mushy.
• Gently warm chowder in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of seafood stock or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Throw away chowder that has been left at room temperature for over 2 hours or shows signs of spoilage like odd smell or unusual texture.

Classic Matches for Easy Seafood Chowder

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the creamy broth's richness.
• Serve with Sourdough Bread: Slice a hearty sourdough to soak up the chowder's luxurious base, adding a tangy contrast to the seafood's subtle sweetness.
• Match with Citrus Salad: Create a light citrus and arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chowder's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the chowder to introduce bright, green notes that elevate the seafood's natural flavors and add visual appeal.

Easy Seafood Chowder with Topping Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it completely dairy-free.
• Vegetarian Sea Option: Swap seafood with plant-based alternatives like hearts of palm, king oyster mushrooms, or firm tofu. Use vegetable stock instead of seafood stock for a rich, ocean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Seafood Bowl: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Add extra seafood like crab or lobster for more protein and a gourmet touch.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Chowder: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the chowder if needed, and serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this chowder?

Shrimp, scallops, and white fish like cod or halibut are perfect. These seafood varieties cook quickly and absorb the creamy broth’s flavor while maintaining a tender texture.

• Can I make this chowder dairy-free?

Yes, substitute regular milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free alternatives. The coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness and maintain the creamy consistency.

• How can I enhance the seafood flavor?

Use seafood stock instead of regular broth, and consider adding a splash of white wine during the vegetable sautéing stage. These ingredients will intensify the seafood’s natural taste and create a richer base.

• Is this chowder healthy?

Despite being creamy, it’s relatively nutritious. Seafood provides lean protein, the vegetables offer essential nutrients, and you can control the cream amount to reduce calories.

EASY Seafood Chowder Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty New England clam chowder delivers rich ocean flavors with creamy potatoes and tender seafood selections. Coastal comfort awaits you in each spoonful of this classic maritime soup that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb scallops, cut in half if large
• 1/2 lb white fish (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, gently melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden base for the aromatic vegetables. Introduce diced onions and celery, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence for 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate diced potatoes, seafood stock, garlic powder, and thyme into the pot. Elevate the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients meld and potatoes tenderize for 10-12 minutes until they reach a perfect consistency.
3. Introduce milk and heavy cream, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy foundation. Return the mixture to a delicate simmer, allowing the flavors to intensify for an additional 5 minutes while occasionally stirring.
4. Carefully add shrimp, scallops, and fish to the simmering liquid. Allow the seafood to cook gently for 5-7 minutes, ensuring each morsel becomes perfectly tender and opaque.
5. Perform a final flavor assessment, delicately adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a harmonious taste profile.
6. Artfully ladle the chowder into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation. Sprinkle fresh parsley across the surface for a vibrant touch. Accompany the chowder with crusty bread or crisp crackers to complete the dining experience.

Notes

• Seafood Selection Flexibility: Choose fresh or frozen seafood, mixing different types like cod, halibut, salmon, or even crab for varied textures and flavors.
• Creamy Consistency Control: Adjust cream-to-milk ratio for thicker or lighter chowder; more heavy cream creates richer texture, while more milk makes it lighter.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium seafood stock and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy version without compromising taste.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for thickening to make the chowder celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg