Creamy Shrimp Chowder: A Simple and Comforting Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of creamy Shrimp Chowder on a chilly evening, isn’t there? It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace of the sea, blending tender shrimp with hearty potatoes and a silky broth that whispers of home. This dish, with its rich textures and inviting aroma, transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.

I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always said the best meals were those made with love and a dash of seaside inspiration. While her kitchen was usually filled with the scent of apple pies, she adored a good chowder. Learning from her, I discovered that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, could create the most memorable dishes. This creamy delight reminds me of those cherished afternoons, sharing stories over spoonfuls of something wonderful.

This recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also wonderfully versatile and family-friendly. My top tip for any home cook eager to dive into this culinary adventure? Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go – that’s where the real magic happens!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To bring this comforting Shrimp Chowder to life, we’re leaning on a few key ingredients that truly shine. The fresh, large shrimp are, of course, the stars, bringing that delightful taste of the ocean, beautifully complemented by the creamy base of whole milk and heavy cream. Then, the russet potatoes add that wonderful heartiness and texture that makes a chowder so satisfying. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Shrimp Chowder

Crafting this delightful creamy Shrimp Chowder unfolds beautifully in two main stages, each building layers of flavor. First, we create a robust base by sautéing aromatics and building a roux, slowly whisking in chicken broth to achieve a smooth, flavorful foundation. Next, we introduce the potatoes and seasonings, allowing them to simmer until tender before folding in the shrimp, corn, and dairy, bringing it all together into that irresistible, creamy comfort.

Creamy Coastal Shrimp Chowder

A rich and comforting shrimp chowder, loaded with tender shrimp, potatoes, corn, and savory vegetables in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chowder Base

• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Yellow Onion finely diced
• 2 stalks Celery finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor
• 2 cups Russet Potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste

For the Shrimp and Finish

• 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
• 1 cup Frozen Corn
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Ladle
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare the Base

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the chowder.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the diced potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, and black pepper. Season with 1/2 tsp salt.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish the Chowder

1. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Increase heat slightly and bring the chowder to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Add the peeled shrimp and frozen corn.
2. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
3. Taste the chowder and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle hot chowder into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of dry white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the flour. Let it reduce by half before proceeding. Leftover shrimp chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate.

Making the perfect Shrimp Chowder is truly a joyful process, and I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I love to share.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to prep all my ingredients before I even turn on the stove. Having everything chopped and measured (that’s “mise en place,” as the pros say!) makes the cooking flow so much smoother and more enjoyable. It means you can truly savor the process without rushing.

For the most flavorful chowder, don’t rush the sautéing of your onions, celery, and garlic. Let them soften slowly until they’re translucent and fragrant; this builds a beautiful foundation for the entire dish. Over the years, I’ve found this gentle caramelization makes all the difference.

When adding your flour to create the roux, make sure to cook it for a minute or two, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste, ensuring your Shrimp Chowder has a rich, clean flavor without any starchy afternotes. It’s a small step that yields big results!

Finally, always use good quality shrimp. Fresh, large shrimp make all the difference in taste and texture. I like to pat them dry before adding them to the chowder; it helps them cook evenly and prevents them from making the chowder watery.

Fun Variations for Shrimp Chowder

One of the things I adore about cooking is the chance to get creative and make a dish truly your own, and this Shrimp Chowder recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

Spice It Up

For those who love a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can add a delightful warmth. My friend, who adores spicy food, always asks me to add a diced jalapeño along with the other aromatics for an extra zing!

Add More Veggies

Feel free to sneak in other vegetables! Diced bell peppers (red or green) can add color and a touch of sweetness. Sauté them with the onion and celery. Spinach or kale can also be stirred in at the very end until just wilted for a boost of greens.

Cheesy Comfort

For an extra layer of richness, try stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving. It melts beautifully into the creamy Shrimp Chowder, making it even more indulgent. This is a delightful twist that kids often love!

What to Serve With Shrimp Chowder

A warm, comforting bowl of Shrimp Chowder is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can elevate the meal into a truly special experience.

I love serving this creamy chowder with a crusty baguette or some warm, buttered cornbread. There’s nothing quite like dipping a piece of fresh bread into that rich, flavorful broth – it’s just delightful! My mom always makes her famous homemade biscuits when I serve any kind of chowder, and it’s truly the perfect complement. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a wonderful fresh contrast to the richness of the chowder. And for a truly quick serving idea, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few croutons on top adds both visual appeal and a nice textural crunch.

How to Store Shrimp Chowder

Keeping your delicious Shrimp Chowder fresh for another comforting meal is quite simple with a few smart storage tips!

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Shrimp Chowder to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency. My personal tip for reheating is to always do it slowly to prevent the dairy from separating!

Freezer Tips

While cream-based soups can sometimes change texture a bit after freezing, you can freeze this Shrimp Chowder! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stove. You might find the creamy base needs a good whisk and a touch more milk to bring back its velvety texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This creamy Shrimp Chowder offers more than just comfort; it brings some wonderful nutritional benefits to your table! The large shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein and essential minerals, while the russet potatoes contribute dietary fiber and important vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that wholesome ingredients can indeed create a magically indulgent dish.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this Shrimp Chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors in this creamy Shrimp Chowder often deepen overnight. You can prepare the base up to a day in advance, storing it in the fridge, and then add the shrimp, corn, and dairy just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Faq 2

What kind of shrimp should I use?
I recommend using large (21/25 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, for this Shrimp Chowder. Fresh or frozen (thawed completely) both work wonderfully. Larger shrimp hold their texture better in the hot chowder and add a more substantial bite.

Faq 3

How can I make this chowder thicker?
If your Shrimp Chowder isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this into the simmering chowder and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Faq 4

Can I substitute other seafood for shrimp?
Yes, you certainly can! While it won’t technically be Shrimp Chowder, you could easily swap the shrimp for cod, scallops, or even a mix of seafood. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, adding the seafood towards the end until it’s just cooked through.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dears – a recipe for Creamy Coastal Shrimp Chowder that truly brings a taste of comfort and warmth right into your kitchen. It’s a dish that embodies everything I believe about home cooking: that with a little patience, a dash of love, and simple, quality ingredients, you can create something truly extraordinary. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones and create new, cherished memories around your own table, savoring every spoonful of this delightful chowder. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with joy and sweet aromas!