Creamy Shrimp Corn Chowder Recipe

Looking for a warm, hearty dish that’s brimming with flavors? This creamy Shrimp Corn Chowder is a bowl of pure comfort and a must-try recipe for home cooks, soup enthusiasts, and seafood lovers alike. Combining succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and creamy goodness, this one-pot wonder is guaranteed to elevate your dinner table. Whether you're preparing a cozy dinner for two or hosting friends on a chilly evening, this chowder is both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.

Read on for the full step-by-step recipe, tips for perfecting your chowder, and variations to suit your taste.

Why You'll Love Shrimp Corn Chowder

Shrimp Corn Chowder is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Here’s why it might just become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Bursting with Flavor: Sweet corn balances the savory, mildly briny taste of shrimp in every spoonful.
• Quick and Easy: You can whip this chowder up in under an hour using just one pot—perfect for busy weeknights.
• A Nutrient Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from the corn, this chowder doesn’t just taste good; it’s good for you too.
• Versatile: Customize it however you like—tailor the spices, swap ingredients, or make it dairy-free. We'll show you how!

Ingredients for Shrimp Corn Chowder

To make the best Shrimp Corn Chowder, you’ll need these ingredients. Most are pantry staples, so you might already have them at hand!

Basic Ingredients

• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Corn kernels (Fresh, frozen, or canned, about 3 cups)
• Bacon (4-5 strips, diced)
• Russet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed)
• Yellow onion (1 large, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Chicken or seafood stock (3 cups)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Butter (2 tbsp)
• Flour (2 tbsp, for thickening)

Herbs and Seasonings

• Paprika (1 tsp, smoked or sweet)
• Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh)
• Salt & Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
• Cayenne Pepper (optional, for added heat)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the most delicious Shrimp Corn Chowder right at home.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add diced bacon and sauté until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside (you’ll use it as a garnish later). Keep the bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add butter to the rendered bacon fat. Once melted, toss in the diced onions, celery, and garlic.
• Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Base

• Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the chowder.
• Gradually pour in the chicken or seafood stock, stirring as you go to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Simmer

• Toss in the diced potatoes, corn kernels, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Creamy Goodness

• Once the potatoes are cooked, gently add the shrimp and heavy cream to the pot.
• Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

• Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper, if desired.
• Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley or chives.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Corn Chowder

1. Use Quality Shrimp

Fresh or frozen shrimp works, but make sure it’s peeled and deveined for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it before cooking.

2. Balance the Texture

To add more depth to the soup, you can purée a portion of it after step 4. Simply blend a cup or two of the chowder until smooth and stir it back into the pot before adding the shrimp.

3. Get Creative with Add-Ins

• Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier chowder.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers or carrots work well for added color and taste.
• Seafood: Mix shrimp with scallops or crabmeat for an elevated seafood experience.

Dietary Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or another plant-based alternative.

Low-Carb Option

Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content.

Why Shrimp Corn Chowder Is a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s a reason why Shrimp Corn Chowder is a favorite among soup lovers—it brings the best of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors into one comforting bowl. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a starter at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients and Get Cooking!

What’s stopping you from making this incredible Shrimp Corn Chowder tonight? With its quick prep time, simple ingredients, and irresistible flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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