Description
This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender shrimp, scallops, and tilapia simmered in a creamy, cheesy broth with a spicy kick. Perfect for seafood lovers craving a rich, flavorful chili that warms you up from the inside out.
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 & Legumes
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Canned Beans (e.g., white beans)
- 1/4 cup Basil or Cilantro (optional, fresh herbs)
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups Broth (chicken or vegetable)
Spices & Seasonings
- 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 they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Seafood: Add the shrimp, scallops, and tilapia pieces to the pot and cook until the seafood turns opaque, roughly 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cream Cheese and Shredded Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese, mixing until they melt completely and blend smoothly into the seafood mixture, creating a creamy base.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the broth along with the canned beans, then season the mixture with cayenne pepper and chili seasoning, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for about 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or cilantro if using, and serve the chili hot, accompanied by crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This seafood chili is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Substitute any white fish of your choice if tilapia is unavailable.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese and shredded cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro add brightness—feel free to omit or substitute with parsley.
