Description
This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, combining succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and flaky tilapia in a rich, creamy tomato-infused broth. Perfect for ultimate comfort food lovers, it features cream cheese and shredded cheese for added indulgence and is seasoned with chili spices and a hint of cayenne for a gentle heat. Ready in about 40 minutes, this hearty seafood chili is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or cilantro (optional)
Pantry & Spices
- 1 can canned beans (e.g., white beans)
- 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop the flavor base.
- Cook Seafood: Add the shrimp, scallops, and tilapia to the pot. Cook gently until the seafood is just opaque, approximately 3-5 minutes, being careful not to overcook to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese, mixing until they melt completely and combine smoothly into the chili for a creamy consistency.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the broth along with the canned beans, and add the cayenne pepper and chili seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer the Chili: Let the chili simmer gently on low heat for about 25 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or cilantro if desired. Serve the chili hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the chili according to your preference.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer or reduce the broth quantity slightly.
- Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add a bright finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Using a mixture of cheeses enhances creaminess and flavor; cheddar works well for a sharp taste.
- White beans are recommended for a mild flavor, but other beans can be substituted based on preference.
- Cooking the seafood just until opaque helps preserve a tender texture and prevents toughness.
