Oh, let me tell you about my love for this creamy seafood chowder! There’s something truly magical about gathering fresh seafood and turning it into a bowl of warm, comforting goodness. The rich flavors just dance together, and it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, you don’t need to be a master chef to make this recipe shine. It’s a family favorite in my house, and I can’t help but smile every time I serve it. The best part? You can have it on the table in about 45 minutes! So grab your pot, and let’s dive into the deliciousness of this seafood chowder that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and fish, cleaned and chopped)
- 4 cups fish or chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First things first, grab a large pot and melt that butter over medium heat. Oh, the smell of butter melting is heavenly! Once it’s all melted and bubbly, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step is super important because it builds the foundation of flavor in your chowder. You want those delicious aromatics to shine!
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Corn
Next, it’s time to bring in the diced potatoes and corn. Stir them in and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes. This step is key for building texture in your chowder, so don’t rush it! The potatoes will start to soften, and the corn will add that sweet pop of flavor that balances everything out. Yum!
Step 3: Incorporate Broth
Now, pour in the fish or chicken broth and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for around 15 minutes. You’ll want those potatoes to be tender and fully cooked through, so keep an eye on them. Timing is everything here; this is where all those wonderful flavors meld together!
Step 4: Add Seafood
Once your potatoes are tender, it’s time for the star of the show: the seafood! Gently stir in your mixed seafood and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it—seafood cooks quickly, and you want it just until it’s opaque and tender. Overcooking can make it tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Now, stir in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens! Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until everything is warmed through. You want it to be creamy and luscious but not boiling—so keep the heat low! Your chowder should be looking rich and inviting at this point.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to taste! Season your chowder with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t skip this step; it really elevates the dish! Once seasoned, serve it hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for that lovely touch of color. There you have it—a creamy seafood chowder that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious seafood chowder! Each serving is estimated to have:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate information. Enjoy this chowder knowing it’s not only comforting but also packed with delicious flavors and nutrients!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy seafood chowder truly shine, here are some tips I swear by! First off, always opt for fresh seafood when possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you only have frozen seafood, that’s okay too—just make sure to thaw it properly before adding it to the pot.
Now, about that cream! If you prefer a thicker chowder, don’t hesitate to add a bit more heavy cream or even a splash of half-and-half. You can adjust it to your liking! And when it comes to leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop!
Common Questions
Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely! Frozen seafood works just fine in this chowder. Just make sure to thaw it properly before adding it to the pot. This will help you avoid excess water in your chowder!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that it might not be as rich and creamy, but it will still taste delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood. You want it warm and cozy, not rubbery!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some diced carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time a bit based on how long those veggies take to soften.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
You bet! This seafood chowder recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner cooks!
- Rich, creamy flavor that’s truly comforting and satisfying.
- Great for family meals—everyone will love it!
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- Leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this creamy seafood chowder, you’ll want to keep it simple yet satisfying! I love pairing it with some warm, crusty bread for dipping—there’s nothing quite like a hunk of bread to soak up that rich chowder. A light, crisp salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette makes a perfect side, balancing out the creamy goodness. You could even serve it with some buttery crackers for an added crunch! Whatever you choose, I promise it’ll make your chowder experience even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy seafood chowder is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go! When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat the chowder over low heat on the stovetop. Stir it occasionally to ensure it warms evenly and avoid overcooking the seafood, which could make it tough. You want it warm and comforting, not rubbery! Enjoy every last spoonful!
For more delicious seafood recipes, check out this link!
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Creamy Seafood Chowder Recipe for Beginners: 5 Steps to Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy seafood chowder that’s easy to make and rich in flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and fish)
- 4 cups fish or chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and corn. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the seafood and cook until it’s cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: seafood chowder recipe creamy
