Creamy Seafood Chowder

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Creamy Seafood Chowder: A Luxurious, Comforting Bowl of Coastal Flavor

Few dishes capture the soul-warming comfort of the coast like a creamy Seafood Chowder. This recipe blends tender shrimp, flaky fish, and succulent clams or scallops in a velvety broth enriched with cream, butter, and aromatic vegetables. Each spoonful delivers a warm, comforting richness balanced with bright, fresh seafood notes. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or an impressive yet effortless weekend meal, this chowder is the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why Seafood Chowder remains one of the most irresistible, iconic comfort foods of all time.

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Ingredients & Their Roles

Seafood

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – adds sweet, tender bites and a beautiful texture.
• White fish (cod, haddock, or tilapia) – provides a flaky, mild flavor that absorbs the broth perfectly.
• Clams or scallops (optional but recommended) – bring classic ocean depth and richness.

Vegetables

• Butter – creates a rich base that carries all the flavor.
• Onion – essential aromatic that infuses sweetness.
• Celery – adds earthiness and balance.
• Carrots – subtle sweetness and color contrast.
• Potatoes – thickens the chowder naturally and gives heartiness.

Liquids & Seasoning

• Garlic – builds savory depth.
• Flour – thickens the chowder to a silky texture.
• Seafood stock or chicken broth – the flavorful foundation of the dish.
• Heavy cream – creates the signature creamy body.
• Old Bay seasoning – classic coastal seasoning with warmth and spice.
• Salt & black pepper – enhances every layer of flavor.
• Fresh parsley – brightens and freshens the finish.

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How to Make Seafood Chowder (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until tender, fragrant, and slightly golden—about 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Build the chowder base

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables and form a smooth roux. This step ensures your chowder thickens beautifully. Slowly pour in the seafood stock, whisking to remove any lumps. Add the potatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Let the flavors develop

Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the broth has thickened into a silky, creamy consistency.

4. Add the seafood

Gently stir in the fish, shrimp, and clams/scallops. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5–7 minutes, just until the seafood is cooked through and tender. Avoid boiling—seafood should stay soft and juicy.

5. Finish with cream and seasoning

Pour in the heavy cream, then season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley, letting the chowder rest for a couple of minutes so the flavors fully blend.

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Why This Seafood Chowder Is Loved

This chowder is beloved because it’s:

• Velvety, creamy, and indulgent
• Loaded with hearty chunks of seafood
• Comforting yet elegant enough for guests
• Simple but deeply flavorful
• Fast to prepare—ready in under 45 minutes

The perfect balance of richness and freshness makes it unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for the Best Chowder

• Use fresh seafood when possible—flavor and texture are unmatched.
• Cut seafood into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
• Do NOT boil after adding seafood or cream, or the texture will toughen.
• Add a splash of white wine with the broth for extra depth (optional but amazing).
• Serve immediately—chowder is at its peak right after cooking.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your creamy Seafood Chowder with:

• Warm crusty bread or garlic baguette
• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Oyster crackers for crunch
• Grilled corn on the cob for a full coastal dinner

You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a restaurant-style presentation that absorbs the creamy broth beautifully.

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Final Thoughts

This Seafood Chowder is everything a perfect comfort dish should be—simple, rich, hearty, and overflowing with flavor. It transforms everyday ingredients into a luxurious coastal masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this chowder delivers incredible results with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen—and a recipe others beg you to share.