The irresistible aroma of creamy seafood chowder wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. This delicious bowl of goodness is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, cozying up to your taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Thinking back to chilly evenings spent by the fireplace, nothing beats gathering around the dinner table with family, enjoying this delightful chowder. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy seafood chowder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile boasts a rich blend of fresh seafood and aromatic herbs that will leave you craving more
- Visually stunning with its creamy white base and colorful veggies, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite seafood or whatever’s fresh at the market
The first time I made this chowder, my friends were so impressed that they demanded seconds—and thirds! We laughed over bowls filled to the brim while sharing stories of our epic cooking failures.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Seafood Medley: I recommend using a mix of shrimp, scallops, and fish for a delightful flavor explosion.
- Potatoes: Choose Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes; they hold their shape well while adding creaminess.
- Onion: A sweet onion adds depth and balances the dish’s savory notes perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for that luxurious texture that makes this chowder truly creamy.
- Fish Stock or Broth: Homemade stock is best, but store-bought works too if you’re short on time.
- Fresh Herbs (Dill and Parsley): These add freshness; don’t skip them for that extra zing!
- Butter: A little butter helps sauté the aromatics and coats everything beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously; they are crucial for enhancing all those heavenly flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and garlic finely while peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Lay everything out like you’re preparing for a cooking show—trust me; it makes life easier!
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt some butter until bubbly. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they’re soft and fragrant—around 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Potatoes: Stir in your diced potatoes along with salt and pepper. Cook these beauties for about 5 minutes until they start to soften, allowing their flavors to mingle with those aromatic onions.
Pour in the Stock: Gradually add fish stock or broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Seafood & Cream: Toss in your seafood medley and pour in heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for another 5-7 minutes until everything is cooked through yet tender without turning rubbery.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, stir in freshly chopped dill and parsley right before serving. This last-minute addition brings brightness and an inviting aroma that makes this chowder truly unforgettable.
And there you have it! A dreamy bowl of creamy seafood chowder ready to warm your heart (and stomach). Serve it with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping—just don’t forget to savor every spoonful!
You Must Know
- This creamy seafood chowder is a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights
- The blend of fresh seafood and rich cream creates an irresistible aroma
- It’s not just filling; it warms your heart faster than your morning coffee
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add potatoes and broth before introducing the seafood for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the seafood; shrimp or crab can add a delightful twist. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate this creamy seafood chowder, use fresh seafood whenever possible for optimal flavor
- Avoid overcooking the seafood to keep it tender and juicy
- A splash of white wine adds depth without overwhelming the dish
Creating this creamy seafood chowder brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter mixed with the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen.
FAQ
What types of seafood work best in creamy seafood chowder?
Shrimp, scallops, and white fish are excellent choices for this dish.
Can I make creamy seafood chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat gently before serving.
How do I thicken my chowder if it’s too thin?
Add a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer to reduce and thicken the chowder.
Creamy Seafood Chowder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy seafood chowder is the ultimate comfort food, combining a delightful medley of fresh shrimp, scallops, and tender potatoes in a luscious creamy broth. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, offering rich flavors and warmth that evoke cherished memories.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh seafood medley (shrimp, scallops, white fish)
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups fish stock or broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic; peel and dice the potatoes.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes with salt and pepper; cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in stock: Gradually add fish stock while scraping the pot's bottom. Simmer for about 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add seafood & cream: Stir in the seafood medley and heavy cream; cook gently for another 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish with herbs: Stir in dill and parsley just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg