The Best Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili to Impress Guests!

Introduction

When you want a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both comforting and elegant, this Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is the answer. With a luscious, rich texture and a symphony of flavors from shrimp, seafood, and spices, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter for dinner parties or family nights alike. Its straightforward preparation lets you focus on entertaining, not stressing in the kitchen.

Deliciously Unique Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

Unlike traditional beef chili, this recipe stands out by pairing tender shrimp and your favorite seafood with a velvety, creamy broth loaded with herbs and chili spices. The freshness of the seafood harmonizes perfectly with the chili’s warm kick and the smoothness of the cream, making every bowl both comforting and sophisticated.

Perfecting the Creamy Seafood Base

The secret to this chili’s incredible flavor is the creamy broth. A combination of cream cheese and half-and-half creates a rich base that carries the savory notes of shrimp, delicate white fish, and a touch of spice. Sauté the aromatics until fragrant, then simmer everything together—allowing the seafood to infuse the broth without overcooking.

Assembling and Serving Your Seafood Chili

After the seafood cooks gently in the creamy chili base, finish the pot with a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with extra herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a wedge of lime for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

Serve this chili with warm crusty bread, steamed jasmine rice, or over fluffy potatoes to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. For added freshness, top each bowl with diced avocado or a handful of chopped cilantro. This chili also pairs beautifully with a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty servings. Each serving contains around 400–450 calories, depending on the seafood used and any additional toppings. Packed with protein and rich in flavor, it’s a satisfying main dish for special gatherings.

The Best Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili to Impress Guests! (Recap)

With its elegant flavors and easy, comforting preparation, this creamy seafood and shrimp chili truly elevates any mealtime gathering. Both guests and family members will love the winning combination of succulent seafood and creamy, spiced broth—making it perfect for your next dinner party or special occasion.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound firm white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 pound bay scallops or chopped calamari (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup seafood or chicken stock
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1–2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a detailed shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section. This makes prepping for a dinner party or weeknight dinner smooth, efficient, and enjoyable!

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, corn, and seafood or chicken stock. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Slowly pour in the half-and-half, mixing well.
  6. Gently fold in the shrimp, fish, and scallops/calamari (if using). Simmer for 6–8 minutes, or just until the seafood is opaque and cooked through—avoid overcooking.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with chopped herbs, extra chili flakes, and lime wedges as desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This creamy seafood and shrimp chili is ideal for weekly meal prep or entertaining at home. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your dinner plans and automatically generate a smart, consolidated shopping list for the week.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all scheduled recipes
  • Organizes your grocery list by store section to streamline shopping
  • Prevents duplicate purchases and ensures you never forget a key ingredient
  • Makes hosting and meal prep stress-free and highly efficient

Pro tip: When planning your week, schedule recipes that use similar ingredients (like shrimp or cream cheese) so you can buy only what you need, saving money and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy impressing your guests with this creamy, flavor-packed seafood and shrimp chili—it’s as easy as it is unforgettable!

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