Garlic Shrimp and Crawfish Creamy Chili

Garlic Shrimp and Crawfish Creamy Chili

A thick, luxurious chili combining tender shrimp, sweet crawfish tails, aromatic garlic, tomatoes, chilies, cream, Cajun spices, and herbs. This dish brings together the comfort of a hearty chili with the elegance of seafood.

---

Ingredients (6 servings)

Seafood

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 lb cooked crawfish tails (drained, patted dry)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Base & Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 large bell pepper (red or green), chopped

• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped

• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced

• 2–3 fresh chilies, diced (jalapeño, red chili, or serrano—your heat level)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Spices

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½–1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

Liquids & Creaminess

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)

• ½ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional but adds body)

• 1 cup seafood broth or chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened, cut into cubes)

• ¼ cup white wine (optional but adds depth)

Finish

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

• Fresh lime or lemon wedges

• Salt and black pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Season the seafood

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp and crawfish with lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Set aside while you prep the base.

---

2. Build the aromatic foundation

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper.

3. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

4. Add garlic and chopped chilies; sauté 1–2 minutes, fragrant.

5. Stir in tomato paste and let it darken slightly—this deepens the chili flavor.

---

3. Add the spices

Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Stir and cook the spices for 30–45 seconds to bloom them in the fat.

---

4. Add the liquids

1. Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer 1 minute to reduce.

2. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, broth, and beans (if using).

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, allowing the chili base to thicken.

---

5. Make it creamy

1. Add the cream and cubes of cream cheese.

2. Stir slowly until the cream cheese melts into the sauce—this makes it silky and rich.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

---

6. Cook the seafood gently

1. Add the shrimp and crawfish tails into the simmering chili.

2. Cook 3–4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and curl.

   • Do not overcook—seafood toughens easily.

3. Remove from heat immediately once the shrimp are done.

---

7. Finish the dish

Stir in parsley and green onions.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to brighten the chili.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon over steamed rice, cilantro rice, or white cheddar grits.

• Ladle into bowls with garlic bread, cornbread, or French bread.

• Top with:

  • shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack

  • a dollop of sour cream

  • extra green onions

  • diced avocado

  • crushed tortilla strips

---

Chef’s Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Fire-roasted tomatoes give a smoky chili profile.

• Seafood broth enhances the ocean flavor—use shrimp shells to make a quick broth if desired.

• Add roasted corn or charred poblanos for a Tex-Mex twist.

• Use half the cream and replace with coconut milk for a Cajun-Creole fusion version.

• Stir in 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce for extra kick.

---

Make-Ahead Notes

• The base chili can be made 1 day ahead, but add the seafood only when reheating so it stays tender.

• Reheat slowly over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen.

OTHER RECIPES

A great garlic shrimp recipe to try !
Garlic Shrimp Recipe INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 cup fine chopped Roma tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. chopped jalapeno peppers
• 1 lb. chopped peeled shrimp
• 1 lb. peeled crawfish tails/shrimp
• 1 qt. heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 oz. chopped cilantro
• 1 oz. cumin
• 3 oz. chili powder
• 2 Tbsp. salt

Garlic Shrimp Recipe INSTRUCTIONS

Saute onions, garlic, Roma tomatoes, jalapeno peppers for 2 minutes on high heat. 

Add shrimp and crawfish for 3-5 minutes. 

Add heavy whipping cream, sugar, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and salt. Let cook for 15 minutes.
Can be served over rice or pasta. 

The garlic shrimp recipe creamy chili is ready..Enjoy it !

Note: If crawfish aren't available where you are, you could substitute an additional pound of shrimp.
4-minute-spicy-garlic-shrimp recipe

VIDEO: