Name: The Best Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb white fish (like cod or tilapia), diced; 4 oz smoked sausage or bacon, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen); 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups seafood or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish

If you love comfort food that brings bold, rich flavors in every spoonful, then you’re going to fall hard for this Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili. This dish is pure indulgence—velvety, hearty, and packed with tender shrimp, flaky fish, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. It’s the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests at your next dinner gathering.

I’ve made this recipe countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to steal the spotlight. What makes it so special is the balance—it’s creamy without being heavy, spicy without being overpowering, and every bite delivers a taste of the sea that’s fresh and savory. If you’re ready to switch up your chili game, this is your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

This isn’t your average chili. It’s luxurious, yet easy to make. The seafood adds a touch of elegance while still being comforting and deeply satisfying. The flavors are layered—smoky from the spices, sweet from the corn, tangy from the tomatoes, and rich thanks to the cream and cheese. Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?

Shrimp is the star here, but you can get creative with other seafood too. I love adding chunks of cod or tilapia for a flaky bite, or even some scallops if I’m feeling fancy. Just make sure whatever you use is firm enough to hold up in the chili and doesn’t overcook quickly. Frozen seafood works just as well—just thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, substitute with diced chicken breast or even turkey for a surf-and-turf vibe. Dairy-free? Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. Want more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. This recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Ingredients for This Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

Shrimp – The primary protein; use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for easy eating and a juicy bite.
White fish (like cod or tilapia) – Adds texture and flakiness to complement the shrimp.
Smoked sausage or bacon – Brings a smoky, savory depth to the base of the chili.
Corn kernels – Adds sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the dish.
Canned fire-roasted tomatoes – Give a tangy, slightly smoky background flavor.
Bell pepper (red or green) – Offers crunch and a fresh vegetal note.
Onion and garlic – Build the aromatic foundation of the chili.
Celery – Adds mild bitterness and crunch that rounds out the vegetable mix.
Seafood or chicken broth – Forms the flavorful liquid base of the chili.
Heavy cream – Adds velvety richness.
Cream cheese – Gives it that luscious, thick consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the chili for extra creaminess and tang.
Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin – Classic chili spices that deepen the flavor.
Salt and pepper – To season everything just right.
Chopped parsley or green onion – For garnish and a fresh finish.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. If using frozen seafood, make sure it’s fully thawed. Dice the fish into bite-sized chunks. Chop the vegetables—onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Measure out your spices and keep them nearby for smooth cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage or Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the smoked sausage or bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir well to coat the vegetables. Pour in the canned fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices) and stir everything together.

Step 5: Simmer With Broth

Add the seafood or chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Stir in Creamy Ingredients

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese in chunks and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Add the Seafood

Gently add the shrimp and white fish to the pot. Let them cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the fish is flaky. Avoid overcooking the seafood.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir the cooked sausage or bacon back in. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of the remaining cheddar cheese and fresh parsley or green onions.

How Long to Prepare The Best Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

Prep Time: Most of your prep time will go into chopping the vegetables and cleaning the seafood, which takes around 20 minutes. If your shrimp is pre-cleaned and you’re using pre-chopped veggies, you can cut that time in half.

Cooking Time: From sautéing to simmering and finishing off with the seafood and creamy additions, the cooking takes about 30–35 minutes. So from start to finish, you’re looking at about 50–55 minutes total to get this creamy chili on the table.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

Use fresh seafood when possible for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly. Add them last and cook until just pink.
For a thicker chili, let it simmer a little longer before adding the cream and cheese.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it in to prevent clumps.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end—creaminess can mellow out salt and spice.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding seafood too early: It will overcook and fall apart. Add it near the end.
Using low-fat dairy: This can curdle or break in the heat. Stick to full-fat cream and cheese.
Skipping the sauté step: You’ll miss out on building deep flavor if you rush this part.
Overloading with spices at once: Always build up spices gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
Not drying thawed seafood: Excess water can dilute the chili and affect the creamy texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili?

1. Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dipping and scooping up every last drop of that creamy chili.

2. Buttery Cornbread

A Southern classic that complements the chili’s richness.

3. Steamed White Rice

Makes the meal extra hearty and helps balance the flavors.

4. Fresh Garden Salad

Adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Something like asparagus or Brussels sprouts works beautifully for texture and balance.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing: You can freeze it for up to a month, though the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often to bring the creaminess back.

Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. If using a microwave, do it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid separation.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 190mg
Sodium: 900mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large, raw, deveined shrimp are best. They hold up well in the chili and cook quickly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently and don’t overcook the seafood when reheating.

Can I make this chili spicy?

Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to bring the heat.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will change slightly, but the flavor remains rich.

What if I don’t have seafood broth?

Use chicken broth as a substitute. You can even add a splash of clam juice or a seafood bouillon cube for more depth.

Conclusion

This Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a standout recipe that fuses the comfort of a hearty chili with the elegance of a seafood stew. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili will bring warmth and flavor to your table every time.