Description
Creamy Shrimp Chowder is a comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy meals any time of year, this chowder combines fresh shrimp, potatoes, aromatics, and cream to deliver a smooth, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 cups Yukon Gold or red potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Fats and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, creating the flavor foundation of the chowder.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes along with fresh thyme and bay leaves. Pour in the broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Incorporate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot when the potatoes are nearly done. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 4 minutes, ensuring they stay tender.
- Finish with Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Warm the chowder gently without boiling, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning as needed. For extra thickness, mash some potatoes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry briefly on low heat.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture—add shrimp near the end of cooking.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to balance salt and spices perfectly.
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to hold their shape during cooking.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling or separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: shrimp chowder, creamy shrimp soup, seafood chowder, comfort food, easy shrimp recipe, chowder recipe