This Quick Shrimp and Corn Chowder is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for late spring and summer when corn is at its peak. The chowder combines the sweetness of fresh corn with tender shrimp, baby red potatoes, and a creamy broth enriched with heavy cream and fresh chives. It’s easy to prepare in about 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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Fresh shucked yellow corn (kernels, pulp, and juice from cobs)
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Unsalted butter
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Yellow onion
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Garlic cloves
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Lower-sodium chicken broth
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Baby red potatoes
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Kosher salt and black pepper
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Medium-size peeled, deveined raw shrimp
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Heavy cream
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Fresh chives
Directions
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Cut kernels from corn cobs and scrape pulp and juice from the cobs; combine with kernels in a bowl.
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In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened.
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Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are just tender.
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Add the corn mixture to the pot.
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Transfer 1 cup of the chowder to a blender; puree until smooth. Stir the pureed chowder back into the pot and bring to a simmer.
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Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
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Stir in heavy cream.
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Serve the chowder garnished with fresh chopped chives.
Nutrients (per serving, estimate)
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Calories: 350–400 kcal
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Protein: 25–30 g
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Total Fat: 18–22 g
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Saturated Fat: 10–12 g
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Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
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Fiber: 3–4 g
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Sugars: 5–7 g
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Sodium: 600–800 mg
This estimate includes shrimp, butter, heavy cream, potatoes, corn, and broth.
The Star Ingredients: Fresh Corn and Shrimp
The hallmark of this chowder is fresh corn. Using freshly shucked corn kernels, along with the pulp and juice scraped from the cobs, adds depth and complexity to the broth that canned or frozen corn simply can’t replicate. The pulp lends a creamy texture and natural sweetness that infuses the entire chowder, while the juice adds a delicate corn flavor that permeates the broth. Fresh corn also contributes dietary fiber and essential vitamins, like vitamin C and folate, making this dish both flavorful and nutritious.
Shrimp provides a lean source of protein and pairs beautifully with corn’s sweetness. The shrimp in this recipe is peeled and deveined, ensuring a tender and clean bite. Cooked just until opaque, the shrimp add a delightful seafood flavor and a succulent texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy broth and tender potatoes. The protein content in shrimp helps make this chowder satisfying and keeps it balanced as a meal.
Creamy, Flavorful Broth Base
The base of the chowder is built on unsalted butter, which lends richness and smoothness to the dish. Sautéing yellow onion and garlic in butter releases sweet and savory aromas that form a flavorful foundation for the soup. The gentle cooking softens the vegetables and infuses the broth with their subtle pungency.
Lower-sodium chicken broth is used to provide depth without overwhelming saltiness, allowing the freshness of the corn and shrimp to shine. Baby red potatoes are added early to the pot, simmering until just tender. Their creamy texture and mild flavor absorb the broth’s seasonings while providing hearty substance to the chowder.
Blending a portion of the chowder creates a silky, velvety texture that thickens the soup naturally without the need for flour or other thickeners. This step balances the chunky bits of potato, corn, and shrimp with a smooth base, resulting in a satisfying mouthfeel.
Finally, heavy cream enriches the chowder, adding a luscious creaminess that rounds out the flavors and provides a comforting richness typical of classic chowders.
Aromatic and Visual Appeal with Fresh Chives
Finishing the chowder with a generous garnish of freshly chopped chives adds a burst of bright, oniony freshness. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful green contrast to the creamy yellow soup, making it visually appealing.
Chives complement the shrimp and corn perfectly, cutting through the richness with their mild sharpness and lifting the overall flavor profile.
Ease of Preparation and Versatility
Despite its sophisticated flavors, this chowder is quick and easy to prepare, coming together in approximately 35 minutes. It requires only one pot, which minimizes cleanup and makes it accessible for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
The recipe is also versatile; you can swap in other fresh seafood like scallops or crab meat, or make it vegetarian by omitting shrimp and using vegetable broth. Adjusting the thickness with more or less cream or pureed corn allows you to tailor the chowder to your preferred consistency.
Nutritional Overview
This chowder is moderate in calories, providing between 350 and 400 calories per serving, making it a filling yet balanced meal. It offers a substantial amount of protein—25 to 30 grams—mainly from the shrimp, supporting muscle health and satiety.
The fat content, coming from butter and heavy cream, ranges from 18 to 22 grams, with saturated fat accounting for roughly 10 to 12 grams. While these fats contribute to flavor and richness, they should be balanced with other meals during the day.
Carbohydrates, sourced mainly from potatoes and corn, provide steady energy and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health. The natural sugars from the corn contribute sweetness without added sugars, keeping the flavor natural and light.
Sodium levels are moderate, depending on the broth and added salt, but can be controlled by choosing low-sodium broth and seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Quick Shrimp and Corn Chowder can be served as a hearty main dish or as part of a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables add freshness and contrast to the richness of the chowder.
For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of chili oil to add subtle heat and color. Lemon wedges on the side can brighten the flavors further when squeezed over the chowder just before eating.
Conclusion
Quick Shrimp and Corn Chowder is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors and comforting textures, perfect for enjoying the best of spring and summer produce. Its creamy, velvety broth enriched with fresh corn and succulent shrimp offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
This chowder balances richness and freshness, sweetness and savory depth, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or a special gathering, it’s a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients with elegant results.