Description

New Orleans Shrimp & Corn Chowder is a creamy, flavorful Southern-inspired soup that blends sweet corn, tender shrimp, and rich aromatics in a velvety broth. This comforting chowder offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with a subtle spicy kick and is easy to customize for various dietary preferences. Ideal for any season, it’s a hearty dish that feels special yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Vegetables

1 pound peeled and deveined fresh shrimp
2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

4 cups chicken or seafood broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings and Fats

2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Garnishes

Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic last to avoid burning and sauté for an additional minute.
Add Corn and Seasonings: Stir in the corn kernels and sprinkle in Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with spices, then cook for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
Pour in the Broth and Simmer: Pour chicken or seafood broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
Cook the Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp to the simmering chowder. Cook just until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
Finish with Cream and Herbs: Slowly stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, warming through without boiling. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top, adjust seasoning if needed, and your chowder is ready to serve.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp and corn for the best flavor and texture.
Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of Creole seasoning.
Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing the pot from heat as soon as they turn pink.
For natural thickening, mash a few corn kernels against the pot while cooking.
Allow the chowder to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern / Cajun / Creole

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: New Orleans, Shrimp Chowder, Corn Chowder, Southern recipe, Cajun, Creole, Creamy soup, Seafood chowder, Spicy shrimp soup