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Corn and shrimp chowder is a warm, coastal-inspired soup that comes together quickly yet feels comfortingly rich and satisfying. Sweet corn and tender shrimp give the chowder a natural sweetness, while potatoes and a light creamy base make it hearty enough for a meal. It’s the kind of soup that works just as well in the summertime—when fresh corn is plentiful—as it does during cooler months when you’re craving something warm and cozy.
This version cooks in under an hour, making it an excellent option for weeknights. A quick sauté builds the flavor base, clam juice adds a subtle brininess, and blending a small portion of the soup thickens it naturally without relying on heavy flour-based roux. Once the shrimp go in, the chowder finishes quickly, giving you a rich, flavorful bowl that feels special without much effort. Serve it with crusty bread, a green salad, or a simple rice side for a complete meal.
What You’ll Like About This Soup
Balanced flavors. Sweet corn, tender shrimp, and mild potatoes create a chowder that’s creamy without being overly rich.
Quick stovetop meal. Ready in under an hour from start to finish, perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches.
Natural thickness. Pureeing a small amount of the chowder gives it body and creaminess without extra thickeners.
Flexible ingredients. Works with fresh, frozen, or canned corn and any size shrimp you prefer.
Ingredient Notes
- Onion: Forms the aromatic base of the chowder and adds sweetness as it cooks.
- Butter: Helps soften the vegetables and adds richness to the broth.
- Garlic: Just a small amount enhances the chowder’s depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season in layers for best flavor—especially since shrimp and clam juice vary in saltiness.
- Flour: Lightly thickens the chowder and helps the broth cling to the potatoes and shrimp.
- Potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes give the chowder body and hold their shape well; peel if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Corn kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well—choose what’s convenient.
- Clam juice: Adds subtle brininess that complements the shrimp without overwhelming the chowder.
- Milk: Forms the creamy base along with the blended portion of the soup.
- Thyme: A classic chowder herb that adds gentle earthy flavor.
- Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp cook quickly and stay tender.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Gives the chowder its silky finish.
- Chives or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the bowl for serving.
Steps to Make Corn and Shrimp Chowder
- Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and flour and cook briefly.
- Add potatoes, corn, clam juice, milk, and thyme, then bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Purée a cup of the chowder and return it to the pot for natural thickening.
- Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink.
- Stir in cream and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with chives or parsley.
Tips for Corn and Shrimp Chowder
- Use medium heat when sautéing the onions so they soften without browning, which keeps the chowder color light.
- Simmer the chowder gently to prevent milk from curdling and to keep potatoes from breaking down too much.
- Puréeing a small portion creates a creamier texture without making the soup heavy—blend more or less depending on your preference.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink; overcooking can make them rubbery.
- If the chowder becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it before serving.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter finish, or add extra cream for a richer bowl.
- Frozen shrimp work wonderfully—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy shrimp chowder. Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Smoky bacon version. Sauté chopped bacon first and cook the onions in the drippings for added depth.
- Seafood chowder. Stir in a handful of scallops or chunks of white fish along with the shrimp.
- Corn-forward version. Add extra corn or use roasted corn kernels for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Herb variation. Swap thyme for dill or tarragon for a more delicate, fresh flavor.
- Creamier chowder. Blend a larger portion of the soup before adding the shrimp for a thicker, more velvety texture.
- Lighter chowder. Use all milk and skip the cream for a lighter—but still comforting—broth.
What to Serve With Corn and Shrimp Chowder
- Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or Oyster crackers for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad or slaw to balance the creamy chowder.
- Add a side of rice or quinoa to make the meal more filling.
- Choose roasted vegetables or steamed greens for a lighter accompaniment.
How to Store Corn and Shrimp Chowder
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Shrimp chowders are best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate seafood.
Freeze (with caution): Cream-based chowders can separate when frozen. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cream and shrimp; add them after thawing and reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, which can toughen the shrimp and split the dairy.
Corn and Shrimp Chowder
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups diced potatoes, red-skin or Yukon Gold
- ¾ cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned (drained)
- 1 cup clam juice
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp, medium or large, peeled and deveined
- ⅔ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Recommended Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.3 tbsp butter | 1/2 cup chopped onion | 2 cloves garlic
- Add the salt, pepper, and flour; stir to blend. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.1/2 tsp kosher salt | 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper | 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, clam juice, milk, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and then lower the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.1 1/2 cups diced potatoes | 3/4 cup corn kernels | 1 cup clam juice | 1 cup whole milk | 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Remove about 1 cup of the chowder mixture to a bowl and purée with an immersion blender. Return the blended mixture to the pan and add the shrimp. Cook just until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.1 1/2 pounds shrimp
- Add the cream or half-and-half. Heat until hot. Taste and add extra salt, if needed.2/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Garnish the chowder with chopped fresh chives or parsley.Chopped chives or parsley
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
