When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of seafood chowder. This recipe is irresistibly creamy, full of tender shrimp, scallops, and flaky cod, yet it has no overpowering “fishy” taste — just a perfect blend of comforting flavors from the sea. Every spoonful offers a velvety texture, delicate seasoning, and hearty potatoes, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights in. Once you make it, you’ll be looking for any excuse to prepare it again.
Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Seafood Chowder
-
4 Tbsp (60 g) butter and/or olive oil, divided
-
1/2 cup (75 g) onion, diced
-
1/2 cup (75 g) celery, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 1/2 tsp oregano, divided
-
1 lb (450 g) medium raw shrimp, cleaned
-
1 lb (450 g) scallops
-
1 lb (450 g) cod fillets, broken into chunks
-
2 cups (480 ml) hot water
-
2 tsp chicken bouillon
-
2 cups (480 ml) fat-free half-and-half
-
2 cups (480 ml) skim milk
-
2 Tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
-
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
-
3 medium thin-skinned potatoes (I used golden)
How to Make Rich and Creamy Seafood Chowder
-
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, celery, garlic, and 1 teaspoon oregano in 1 tablespoon of the butter or oil until softened and fragrant. Remove from the pot and set aside.
-
In the same pot, lightly brown the shrimp, scallops, and cod in the remaining butter or oil, working in small batches. Lightly salt each batch. As the seafood cooks, pour off and reserve any cooking liquids — these will be added back to the broth later. Set the seafood aside once all batches are done.
-
Cut the potatoes into chunks and pulse them in a food processor until coarsely shredded.
-
Add the potatoes to the pot along with the reserved vegetables, hot water, chicken bouillon, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and Old Bay seasoning.
-
Stir well and let simmer until the potatoes are tender.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, half-and-half, and milk until smooth.
-
Pour the milk mixture into the soup pot along with the reserved seafood cooking liquids, shrimp, scallops, and cod.
-
Stir gently and let the chowder simmer until it thickens slightly, then serve hot.
A Comforting Bowl Worth Savoring
This seafood chowder is everything you want in a warming, hearty soup — creamy, full of flavor, and brimming with tender seafood. It’s a dish that works equally well for a casual family dinner or a special occasion. Pair it with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds.
