If you’re craving a cozy, hearty dish packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful kick, this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe is something you absolutely have to try. It effortlessly brings together tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spiced broth that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this chowder delivers on taste, texture, and that irresistible Cajun flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the sweetness of corn, the creaminess from the dairy, or the bold spice blend that makes this chowder truly stand out. Let’s dive into the essentials you’ll gather for this delicious dish.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all those lovely Cajun flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to gently sauté the vegetables, adding richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a foundational sweetness and aroma when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, savory depth that complements the spices.
- 1 large carrot, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and bright color to the chowder.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Offers a crunchy texture contrast and classic chowder flavor.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Adds a punch of color and a slight sweet pepper flavor.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: The heart of the chowder, providing creaminess and body.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): A sweet pop in each bite that balances spiciness beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enriches the chowder with luscious creaminess.
- 1 cup milk (or more if you prefer a thinner chowder): Lightens the texture and keeps the chowder silky.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste): The key spice blend that brings that irresistible Cajun punch.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and complexity to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon thyme: Gives a subtle herbal note.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat): Spice lovers can turn up the heat here.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to cook the shrimp, imparting a silky finish.
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish: A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Begin by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp with a generous tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This ensures each bite bursts with that signature spicy, smoky flavor. Letting the shrimp sit while you prepare the rest of the chowder gives those spices time to really sink in.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cooking these vegetables together until they soften, about 5 to 6 minutes, releases their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for the chowder.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Stir
Once your veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute or two until the garlic aroma fills your kitchen, but be careful not to let it brown and become bitter. This step adds an extra layer of depth to the chowder’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Potatoes, Corn, and Broth
Dump in the diced potatoes and corn kernels, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender, turning the chowder heartily flavorful and comforting.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Now it’s time for the creamy magic. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, then bring the chowder back to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the texture is luxuriously smooth and rich, ready to embrace the shrimp.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
While the chowder simmers, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful pink and just opaque. This method seals in their juiciness and ensures they stay tender when added to the chowder.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked shrimp directly to the chowder and gently stir to combine all the flavors. Your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe is now complete and ready to be served piping hot with a touch of fresh herbs on top.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or green onions make perfect garnishes here, adding just the right pop of color and a burst of brightness to balance the creamy, spicy chowder. Don’t hesitate to add a squeeze of fresh lemon for a subtle zing that lifts the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this chowder alongside crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A simple crisp green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls or rustic mason jars for easy portioning. Garnish with more Cajun seasoning sprinkled over the top and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to cool and complement the spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before storing, so the flavors meld even more overnight.
Freezing
While the chowder freezes well, it’s best to freeze it without the shrimp to maintain texture and flavor. Store the chowder base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chowder gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking or curdling. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This prevents excess moisture and ensures they sear nicely.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind these will slightly change the chowder’s richness and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a nice kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing those elements or leaving out the cayenne if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth. For protein, try adding kidney beans or chickpeas along with extra vegetables to keep it hearty.
How thick is the chowder supposed to be?
The chowder should be creamy and slightly thick but still spoonable. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe is truly a comforting, flavorful dish that can brighten any day. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, with layers of spice, creaminess, and freshness all coming together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people—you’re going to love every single spoonful.
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This creamy Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring tender shrimp, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich spiced broth, this chowder combines Cajun seasoning with smoky paprika and a touch of cayenne for a mild kick. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a satisfying option for seafood lovers who crave a warm and delicious bowl of chowder.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (or more if you prefer a thinner chowder)
Seasonings & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant to develop the aromatic base.
- Add Potatoes & Broth: Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, and 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk. Bring the chowder back to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to thicken the chowder.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the chowder simmers, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque.
- Combine Shrimp and Chowder: Add the cooked shrimp to the chowder pot and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, omitting shrimp or replacing with plant-based seafood alternatives.
- For a thinner chowder, add extra milk or broth as desired.
- Fresh corn kernels add sweetness; frozen works well as a convenient substitute.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp prior to seasoning ensures better flavor absorption and a cleaner bite.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the cream.
