Creamy Seafood Chowder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and comforting chowder with tender clams, creamy potatoes, and a hint of thyme. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes pairs clams, potatoes, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 sliced celery stalks, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour and stir for 1 minute until golden. Gradually pour in 4 cups milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups diced potatoes and 1 tsp thyme. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lb clams and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the clams open and the broth thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Seafood Chowder take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Seafood Chowder?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Seafood Chowder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Seafood Chowder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Seafood Chowder?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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