If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, look no further than Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder. This creamy chowder combines the sweetness of fresh corn with tender shrimp in a rich, velvety broth, making it the perfect dish for any season. It’s an ideal balance of savory and sweet, and it’s sure to warm you up on those chilly nights.
What makes this chowder so special is the combination of sweet corn, succulent shrimp, and a creamy base made from a blend of milk, cream, and seasonings. The corn provides a natural sweetness that complements the shrimp perfectly, while the creaminess of the soup makes every spoonful feel indulgent. It’s easy to make and packs a ton of flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
I first made this Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder on a rainy evening when I was craving something both comforting and flavorful. The combination of sweet corn and shrimp creates a beautiful balance of flavors that’s truly addictive. It has since become a go-to recipe in my home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
Why This Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder Will Be Your New Favorite
- Creamy and comforting: The chowder is rich and creamy, perfect for warming up on cold days while still feeling light and refreshing.
- Sweet and savory: The natural sweetness of the corn balances beautifully with the savory shrimp and the creamy broth.
- Quick and easy: This chowder comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the amount of shrimp, corn, or seasonings to suit your taste or add other vegetables for a variation.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of seasonings and fresh ingredients creates a soup that’s bursting with flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder
- Prepare the shrimp:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside. - Sauté the aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant. - Add the potato and corn:
Add the diced potato and corn to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Add the broth and seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Make it creamy:
Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the heavy cream and milk to the pot. Stir to combine and allow the chowder to simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Add the shrimp back in:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir gently to combine. Let the chowder simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp through. - Serve and garnish:
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. - Enjoy:
Your Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder is ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use fresh or frozen corn: Fresh corn adds a sweeter flavor, but frozen corn works just as well for this chowder and is easier to find year-round.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to add them back to the soup just at the end to avoid overcooking them.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like a little extra heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with crab meat, lobster, or even chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or carrots for a heartier chowder.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of the heavy cream and milk for a dairy-free version of this chowder.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-fat dairy: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat milk option to make the chowder lighter.
- Add more veggies: Bulk up the soup with additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to increase the fiber and nutritional value.
Closing
And there you have it! Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in every spoonful. This comforting dish is easy to make, packed with delicious flavors, and perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a starter for your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how your chowder turns out, and be sure to check out more of our comforting soup recipes for even more cozy meal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes! This chowder can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra milk or cream to bring it back to the right consistency. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove, adding a little milk if it has thickened too much. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking to avoid excess water in the chowder. - Can I make this chowder spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to give the chowder an extra kick. - Can I make this chowder without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with coconut milk for a lighter version or a dairy-free alternative if you need a dairy-free option. - What should I serve with this chowder?
Serve this chowder with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. - Can I add more vegetables to this chowder?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the chowder for extra flavor and texture. - How do I make the chowder thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier consistency. - Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn works wonderfully in this recipe, and it will add a natural sweetness to the chowder. - Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this chowder.
Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder
4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
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