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Creamy Shrimp Chowder

Creamy Shrimp Chowder

Creamy Shrimp Chowder is a rich, comforting seafood soup that combines tender shrimp, diced potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs in a velvety cream-based broth. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe is quick to prepare, beginner-friendly, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Vegetables

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups diced potatoes (preferably waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Roux and Broth

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or seafood broth

Cream and Seasoning

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Shrimp: Finely chop the onions, celery, and garlic. Dice the potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking. If needed, rinse, peel, and devein the shrimp, then set aside.
  2. Create the Flavor Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to build the chowder’s foundational flavors.
  3. Make the Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood broth to avoid lumps and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Cook Potatoes and Shrimp: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Once potatoes are soft, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
  5. Stir in Cream and Season: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Warm thoroughly without boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp; add them near the end to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme added right before serving for vibrant flavor.
  • Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
  • Slowly add cream and stir gradually to prevent curdling.
  • Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of flour in the roux.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp chowder, creamy shrimp soup, seafood chowder, easy shrimp recipe, comfort food, quick dinner