Description
This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, scallops, and white fish in a rich, cheesy broth seasoned with chili spices and garnished with fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal in about 40 minutes, this chili blends the freshness of seafood with the creaminess of cheese and the warmth of chili seasoning for ultimate comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound Scallops
- 1 pound Tilapia (or any white fish)
Dairy
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (e.g., cheddar)
Produce
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Basil or Cilantro (optional, fresh herbs)
Canned Goods
- 1 can Canned Beans (e.g., white beans)
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Chili Seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat in a pot until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop the base flavors of the chili.
- Cook Seafood: Add the shrimp, scallops, and tilapia to the pot and cook until they turn just opaque, approximately 3-5 minutes, ensuring the seafood remains tender and not overcooked.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy texture for the chili.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the broth and canned beans, then stir in the cayenne pepper and chili seasoning evenly to distribute the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer: Let the chili gently simmer for about 25 minutes to meld flavors and deepen the seasoning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or cilantro if desired, and serve the chili hot paired with crusty bread or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference for milder or spicier chili.
- You can substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod or haddock based on availability.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and shredded cheese and use coconut milk or plant-based cream alternatives.
- This chili pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread, rice, or even tortilla chips for dipping.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish just before serving to enhance the flavors.
