When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor, there’s nothing like a hearty bowl of seafood chowder. The Seafood Chowder Recipe | Creamy & Easy Comfort Food combines tender shrimp, scallops, crab, calamari, and clams in a rich, creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: A blend of seafood and spices makes this chowder irresistible.
• Creamy Without the Guilt: Uses fat-free cream cheese and milk for a lighter yet indulgent texture.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a comforting dinner or an elegant starter for a special meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this creamy seafood chowder to life:

Base Ingredients

Vegetables and Seasonings

Seafood Mix

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Base

1. In a large pot over low heat, combine the cream cheese, ½ cup of milk, and minced garlic.
2. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

2. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

1. Mix in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, undrained corn, and the remaining 1 cup of milk.
2. Stir in the chopped potatoes, green onions, sliced carrots, parsley, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Cook the mixture at a simmer for 25 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil to avoid curdling.

3. Incorporate the Seafood

1. Add the shrimp, bay scallops, crabmeat, calamari, and clams to the pot.
2. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the seafood turns opaque and is fully cooked.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Chowder

1. Choose Fresh Seafood

• The fresher the seafood, the better the flavor. If using frozen seafood, thaw it completely and pat dry before adding it to the chowder.

2. Adjust the Spice Level

• Add more cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.

3. Don’t Overcook the Seafood

• Overcooked seafood can become rubbery. Keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

4. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot

• A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating and prevents the chowder from scorching.

5. Customize Your Vegetables

• Add celery, bell peppers, or other vegetables to suit your taste.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Bread Bowls

• Serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.

2. Toppings Bar

• Offer toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs for guests to customize their bowls.

3. Pair with a Salad

• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy chowder.

4. Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

FAQs About Seafood Chowder

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chowder without adding the seafood. Refrigerate the base and add the seafood when reheating to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I freeze seafood chowder?

While the chowder can be frozen, the texture may change slightly due to the cream and seafood. If freezing, omit the seafood and add it fresh when reheating.

3. What other seafood can I use?

Feel free to add mussels, lobster, or white fish like cod or haddock for variety.

4. How do I thicken the chowder?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering chowder.

5. Can I use regular cream instead of fat-free cream cheese?

Absolutely! Substitute with full-fat cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer flavor.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the chowder on low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain its creamy texture without overcooking the seafood.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

The Seafood Chowder Recipe | Creamy & Easy Comfort Food is everything you could want in a meal: warm, satisfying, and packed with rich flavors. It’s perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of creamy broth, fresh seafood, and hearty vegetables makes it a go-to recipe for any seafood lover.

Ready to Make Your Own Seafood Chowder?

Gather your ingredients and start simmering this delightful dish. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this seafood chowder will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Explore More Comfort Food Recipes to keep your menu exciting and delicious!

Melany

Seafood Chowder Recipe | Creamy & Easy Comfort Food

Warm your soul with the comforting and rich flavors of this Creamy Seafood Chowder. Packed with tender shrimp, scallops, crab, calamari, and clams, this hearty dish delivers a creamy, satisfying bowlful that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. It’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Base:

• 1 8-ounce container fat-free cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups fat-free milk
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 23-ounce can fat-free condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 15.25-ounce can whole kernel corn (undrained)

For Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups potatoes chopped
• 1 cup green onions chopped
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

For the Seafood:

• ½ pound shrimp
• ½ pound bay scallops
• ½ pound crabmeat
• ½ pound calamari tubes
• 1 6.5-ounce can chopped clams

 Prepare the Creamy Base:

• In a large pot over low heat combine the cream cheese, ½ cup of milk, and minced garlic.
• Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended about 3 minutes.

2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

• Stir in the cream of mushroom soup corn (undrained), and remaining 1 cup of milk.
• Add the potatoes green onions, carrots, parsley, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the soup creamy.

3. Add the Seafood:

• Gently fold in the shrimp scallops, crabmeat, calamari, and clams.
• Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the seafood is opaque and tender.

4. Serve and Garnish:

• Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Method

 

 Prepare the Creamy Base:

1. In a large pot over low heat, combine the cream cheese, ½ cup of milk, and minced garlic.
2. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended, about 3 minutes.

2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

1. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, corn (undrained), and remaining 1 cup of milk.
2. Add the potatoes, green onions, carrots, parsley, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the soup creamy.

3. Add the Seafood:

1. Gently fold in the shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, calamari, and clams.
2. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the seafood is opaque and tender.

4. Serve and Garnish:

1. Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

• Freshness Matters: Fresh seafood enhances the flavor and texture of the chowder.
• Adjust to Taste: Modify the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Thickening Options: For a thicker consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) during the final simmer.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!