Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder
A creamy, soul-soothing chowder brimming with East Coast seafood and cozy kitchen vibes.
If you’ve ever visited the Maritime provinces of Canada, you know the unbeatable charm of a good seafood chowder—especially in Nova Scotia, where fresh haddock, shrimp, scallops, and even lobster find their way into every comforting bowl.
This chowder is rich, flavorful, and loaded with tender seafood, chunky potatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic herbs. It’s an ideal recipe for cooler nights, seaside nostalgia, or impressing guests with a dish that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it didn’t).
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This chowder is the perfect example of coastal comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with good things from the sea.
- No flour required – This is a naturally thick chowder with cream and potatoes doing all the heavy lifting.
- Customizable – You can mix and match seafood depending on availability.
- Big flavor, low effort – From stovetop to table in under 45 minutes.
Want more cozy bowls? Try our Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Easy Turkey Wings for Southern-inspired comfort.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ lb haddock, cut into chunks
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb scallops
- ½ cup lobster meat (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Simmer the Potatoes
Add diced potatoes and seafood broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
3. Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream. Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid boiling.
4. Cook the Seafood
Add haddock, shrimp, scallops, and lobster (if using). Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
5. Finish with Corn and Seasoning
Add corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread or oyster crackers for the full experience.
🐟 Tips & Swaps
- No seafood broth? Use chicken broth or mix clam juice with water.
- Cream substitute: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- More veggies? Add diced carrots or peas during the simmer step.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A light pairing like Tangy Chicken Salad balances the creaminess
- For more Southern flair, serve before Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- Cool off with a glass of Blueberry Lemonade
🔗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
- Blueberry Lemonade
✨ Final Thoughts
This Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder brings the flavor of the East Coast straight to your kitchen. It’s creamy, savory, and filled with the bounty of the sea. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a guaranteed comfort classic.
👉 Cooked this chowder? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your bowl!
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