Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chowder recipe rich, spicy, and comforting, with details on ingredients, timing, and protein content.
🍲 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chowder
A hearty, creamy soup loaded with shrimp, Cajun spices, veggies, and a touch of heat. Perfect for a cozy meal!
✅ Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
Protein & Seafood:
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1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
Vegetables:
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon gold or russet)
Liquids:
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4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken or seafood broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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½ cup whole milk (optional for thinner chowder)
Thickener:
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2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons butter (to make a roux)
Seasonings:
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1–1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Dash of cayenne (optional, for extra heat)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley or green onion for garnish
🕒 Time:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: ~45 minutes
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Veggies:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
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Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 4–5 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux:
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Push veggies to the side. Add butter and flour in the center and whisk into a paste.
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Stir and cook 2–3 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
3. Simmer Potatoes:
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Add diced potatoes and broth.
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Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Season & Add Shrimp:
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Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add shrimp and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Finish Creamy Base:
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and milk.
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Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
6. Serve:
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Ladle into bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
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Serve with crusty bread or cornbread if desired.
💪 Protein & Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~320–350 |
Protein | 22–25g |
Carbs | ~25g |
Fat | ~18–20g |
Fiber | ~3g |
✅ Shrimp is a lean, high-quality protein source — ~20–24g protein per 100g.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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Low-Carb Version: Skip potatoes and add cauliflower or extra celery.
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Extra Creamy: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding shrimp.
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Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or jackfruit, and use coconut cream instead of dairy.