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Creamy Seafood Chowder

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: New England

Description

A rich and warming chowder brimming with tender seafood, hearty potatoes, and creamy broth—perfect for cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 8 oz cod or halibut, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz bay scallops
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled bacon or oyster crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in seafood broth, then add cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add diced potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–12 minutes.
  6. Stir in cod (or halibut), shrimp, and scallops. Cook until seafood is opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional bacon or oyster crackers.

Notes

  • The chowder can be made a day ahead; reheat gently before serving.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for a lower-fat milk.
  • Try swapping seafood with clams or lobster for variation.
  • Freeze unused chowder in individual portions—thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly.
  • Leftover chowder can be thickened with a sprinkle of flour slurry if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg