Some nights, you just need something comforting and delicious, and this Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is the perfect answer. With a mix of shrimp, crab, and lobster simmered in a rich broth with melted cheese, it’s a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out. I remember the first time I made this chili; the kids were skeptical about beans in their seafood, but after one spoonful, they were hooked. This has quickly become a family favorite, especially when paired with crusty bread to dip into the creamy sauce. Check out my crescent roll breakfast recipes for ideas on delicious sides.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This chili is a delightful twist on the classic, combining the sea’s bounty with comforting, hearty flavors. It’s quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something a little different. Not only is it packed with protein, but the blend of spices gives it just the right kick. Plus, the creamy base makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
- ½ cup whole kernel corn, frozen
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 5 oz lump crab
- 5 oz lobster meat
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Seafood seasoning, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Red cayenne pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, both types of beans, diced tomatoes with chilis, and mix well.
- Lower heat to medium-low; cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- While simmering, season crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with seafood seasoning.
- Stir in cheese, corn, cream cheese, crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp into the pot.
- Increase heat back to medium; cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until all seafood is cooked through.
Recipe tips & variations
If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider bell peppers or spinach. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the seafood with your favorites or use all shrimp if you’d like.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned seafood for this recipe?
Fresh is always best, but canned can be a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain and rinse well.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with sour cream or a bit more shredded cheese to maintain the creaminess.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more mealtime inspiration? Try these out:
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe Easy & Crispy
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe Easy & Cheesy
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes
Whip up this Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili tonight, and watch your family come back for seconds!
Print
Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delicious and comforting Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili with shrimp, crab, and lobster in a rich broth.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
- 1/2 cup whole kernel corn, frozen
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 5 oz lump crab
- 5 oz lobster meat
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Seafood seasoning, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Red cayenne pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, both types of beans, diced tomatoes with chilis, and mix well.
- Lower heat to medium-low; cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- While simmering, season crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with seafood seasoning.
- Stir in cheese, corn, cream cheese, crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp into the pot.
- Increase heat back to medium; cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until all seafood is cooked through.
Notes
- If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider bell peppers or spinach.
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper.
- You can also substitute the seafood with your favorites or use all shrimp if you’d like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg