Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

This creamy seafood and shrimp chili is a cozy meal that brings together the best of coastal flavors and Southern comfort. With tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a velvety base full of wholesome ingredients like potatoes and beans, this chili offers a rich, satisfying dinner that feels special but is simple to prepare. It’s perfect for chilly nights or weekend gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this chili when craving something comforting after a long day and discovered it quickly became a favorite in our home, especially when friends visit.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined brings sweet, briny seafood flavor
• Andouille sausage: adds smoky spice, choose a quality brand for depth
• Red kidney beans: provide hearty texture and fiber
• Corn kernels: give natural sweetness and a pop of color
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: add acidity and gentle heat, opt for well-balanced brands
• Bell peppers and onions: create a savory aromatic base
• Yukon gold potatoes: hold their shape and help thicken the chili naturally
• Garlic cloves: deliver that classic robust pungency
• Cajun seasoning and paprika: infuse the dish with Southern spice warmth
• Seafood or chicken broth: forms a flavorful simmering base
• Heavy cream and cream cheese: combine to make the chili silky and rich
• Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: melts in for lusciousness
• Olive oil and butter: used for cooking and layering flavors
• Fresh parsley or cilantro: lends brightness and freshness as garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Your Aromatics:

Warm olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook gently until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step builds the flavor base by slowly coaxing out sweetness and depth.

Brown the Sausage:

Add sliced andouille sausage to the pot. Let it cook until the edges crisp and brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Browning deepens the richness and brings out the sausage’s smoky essence. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Build the Base:

Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn kernels, kidney beans, cubed Yukon gold potatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, making sure the seasoning coats all ingredients evenly. This layering of flavors sets the stage for simmering.

Simmer to Perfection:

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes soften completely, absorbing the spices and melding the flavors beautifully.

Creamy Dream:

Reduce the heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Slowly pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in shredded cheese, mixing gently to create a creamy luxurious texture. Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

Add the Shrimp:

Fold the peeled and deveined shrimp into the chili. Let them cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until just pink and firm. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch carefully to preserve their tenderness.

Garnish and Serve:

Ladle the chili into warm bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all that silky sauce.

Save Pin

One of my favorite moments with this chili is the way the creaminess and spice mingle perfectly. I remember sharing it during a cold family gathering where everyone was raving about the unexpected but delightful seafood twist on chili.

Storage Tips

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers and consume within two months. When reheating, warm slowly over low heat, adding a bit of broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to swap the sausage, turkey or chicken sausage work well, reducing fat while keeping flavor. For seafood, scallops or firm fish like cod are great alternatives. To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk in place of cream and dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. If you do not have cream cheese, mascarpone or sour cream can add richness with a slight tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, cornbread, or even a fresh green salad for contrast. A cold crisp white wine or a light beer balances the richness perfectly, making it a great meal for entertaining. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors have had time to deepen.

Cultural Background

This chili combines traditional Southern Cajun flavors like andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning with a coastal seafood flair, highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the Gulf Coast. The creamy touch is a comforting twist that elevates the usual tomato-based chili into something truly special.

Pro Tips

Always brown the sausage well to release its full smoky flavor. Do not add shrimp too early or they will become tough and rubbery. Slowly melt cream cheese and cheese to avoid lumps and keep the texture silky.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use other seafood besides shrimp?

Yes, scallops, crab meat, or firm white fish like cod can be excellent alternatives, each adding its unique flavor.

→ Is this chili very spicy?

The heat level depends on how much Cajun seasoning and diced green chiles are added—adjust to suit your taste.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.

→ What can replace cream cheese in this chili?

Mascarpone, sour cream, or Greek yogurt work well as creamy substitutes, each bringing a slightly different tang.

→ How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?

Add shrimp at the final stage of cooking and simmer only 4-5 minutes until just pink and firm for best texture.

→ Is it possible to make this chili dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and either omit cheese or select dairy-free cheese alternatives.