Name: Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 3 cups chicken broth or seafood broth; 1 cup clam juice; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 10 oz canned chopped clams, drained (reserve the juice); ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful seafood dish that warms the soul and delights the taste buds, this Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe is absolutely a must-try. Combining tender shrimp, briny clams, and velvety cream, this chowder strikes the perfect balance between rich and fresh with comforting textures. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing on chilly evenings or whenever you crave something both hearty and elegant.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up of a white pot with diced colorful vegetables cooking inside, including orange carrots, purple onions, and light green celery pieces. A wooden spoon stirs the mixture, showing the mix's moist and soft texture. The colors of the vegetables are bright and fresh, and there is some steam rising from the pot. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From aromatic vegetables to fresh seafood and warming spices, these essentials come together harmoniously.

Butter (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, silky base flavor that helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Works with butter to create a balanced cooking fat, ensuring veggies don’t stick.
Onion, small and diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the broth once softened.
Celery stalks (2, diced): Adds subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
Carrots (2, diced): Contributes a natural hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the chowder with warm, aromatic undertones.
Potatoes (2 medium, diced): Provide comforting creaminess and thickness after simmering.
Chicken or seafood broth (3 cups): Forms the flavorful liquid base that unites all ingredients.
Clam juice (1 cup): Intensifies the seafood essence and enriches the chowder’s taste.
Bay leaf (1): Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp): Introduces a classic blend of spices perfect for seafood dishes.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Lends smoky warmth and vibrant color.
Dried thyme (½ tsp): A delicate herbaceous touch to complement the seafood.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
Chopped clams (10 oz can, drained): The star seafood ingredient, offering briny sweetness.
Shrimp (½ lb, peeled and deveined, bite-sized): Adds tender texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with clams.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the chowder its luxuriously creamy finish.
Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the cream a bit while maintaining richness.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the chowder to the ideal consistency.
Cooked bacon, crumbled (½ cup, optional): Offers a smoky, crispy contrast that is highly recommended.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings freshness and a burst of green color.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and balances the creaminess.

How to Make Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots, then sauté them gently until they soften and become fragrant, about five minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the vegetables and lays the flavorful foundation for the chowder. Just before moving on, add minced garlic and cook for another minute so its aroma blooms without burning.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, add the diced potatoes along with chicken or seafood broth, clam juice, bay leaf, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This simmering melds the spices and seafood elements into a savory, aromatic broth that’s the heart of the chowder.

Step 3: Thicken the Chowder

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk until you have a smooth mixture without lumps. Slowly pour this into the simmering pot, stirring continuously. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, during which the chowder will begin to thicken perfectly, creating that comforting creamy texture you expect from a classic chowder.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Now it’s time for the stars—stir in the chopped clams, including their reserved juice, and the bite-sized shrimp pieces. These will cook quickly and add delightful seafood bites. Let the chowder cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—signaling they are perfectly cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Freshness

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, crumbled bacon if you’re using it, lemon juice, and freshly chopped parsley. Allow everything to meld together for a couple more minutes without boiling, so you preserve the cream’s velvety texture and the brightness of the lemon and herbs.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your chowder and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember to remove the bay leaf, then ladle your inviting Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe into bowls. This moment is where all that savory comfort comes together, ready for you to enjoy.

How to Serve Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe

A close-up of creamy soup in a white bowl with a brown rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. The soup is thick and light orange in color with chunks of orange carrots, pale yellow potatoes, and small green parsley pieces scattered on top. Small crispy brown bacon bits are spread evenly across the surface of the soup, adding texture and color contrast. The soup has a smooth but chunky texture with visible herbs and bits mixed in, filling the bowl almost to the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your chowder beautifully. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley adds a burst of color and brightness, while a few crispy bacon pieces provide a perfect salty crunch contrast. For an elegant touch, a thin wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add an extra zing. Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh crack of black pepper on top just before serving—it adds an irresistible aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This chowder shines alongside some crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls, perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the chowder’s richness. For a heartier meal, pairing it with roasted vegetables or a classic coleslaw makes it feel like a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests or just make mealtime more fun, consider serving the chowder in small, hollowed-out bread bowls for an interactive eating experience. Mini cast-iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls add charm and help retain heat. Garnishing each bowl with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil can create a stunning visual impact that complements the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. Because seafood can be delicate, it’s best to consume leftovers relatively soon to enjoy the chowder at its best quality.

Freezing

Freezing chowder with seafood can be tricky since the texture of shrimp and clams may change upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, consider leaving out the shrimp and clams and adding them fresh after reheating the base chowder. The broth and vegetables freeze well for up to 2 months when stored properly in a sealed freezer-safe container.

Reheating

Reheat the chowder gently on medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add the shrimp and clams after the base has warmed through, cooking just until the shrimp turns pink again. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating and the seafood tender.

FAQs

Can I use fresh clams instead of canned for this Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh clams can add extra depth of flavor and a lovely texture. Just be sure to clean and steam them first, reserving the cooking liquid as your clam juice. This will make your chowder even more vibrant and fresh tasting.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning if I don’t have it?

If you’re out of Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper can mimic the flavor profile pretty well. The smoked paprika and thyme in this recipe also help build a complex spice profile that complements the seafood beautifully.

Is this Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the Old Bay seasoning and smoked paprika, but it’s not hot or overpowering. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeño during the sauté step for a spicy kick.

Can I make this chowder dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies on cream and milk for its characteristic richness, but you can substitute canned coconut milk or cashew cream to achieve a similar creamy texture. For vegan options, replace shrimp and clams with mushrooms or diced tofu and use vegetable broth, adjusting seasonings to balance seafood flavor.

How thick should the chowder be?

The perfect Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe should have a creamy, slightly thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon without being too heavy or soupy. The flour and milk mixture helps achieve this texture, but you can adjust thickness by adding more broth or cream as desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of homemade Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe that combines fresh seafood flavors with creamy, comforting textures. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a heartwarming, delicious meal. Dive in and savor every spoonful — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite seafood dishes to make and share.

Shrimp and Clam Chowder Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need