Creamy Seafood Pasta Chowder
This rich and comforting creamy seafood pasta chowder brings the delightful flavors of the coast right into your kitchen! A nostalgic favorite inspired by Olive Garden, this chowder features tender shell pasta combined with sweet crab meat and an array of fresh mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner gathering, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Feel free to mix in some imitation crab or extra baby shrimp for an even heartier meal. Don’t forget to savor every last drop!
4
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
6 ounces (uncooked)
crabmeat
3 ounces (fresh or imitation, sorted for shells)
butter
6 tablespoons (unsalted)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 pound (sliced)
Newburg sauce mix
2 (1 ounce) packages (dry mix)
milk
3 cups (whole or low-fat)
water
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (optional)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Cook the small shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
If using fresh crabmeat, carefully sort through the crab to remove any shells.
3
In a non-aluminum 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4
Add the sliced mushrooms to the saucepan and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they become tender.
5
Stir in the Newburg sauce mix and combine thoroughly with the mushrooms.
6
Slowly add the milk, water, and dry white wine (if using) into the saucepan, stirring well with a wire whisk until the mixture is smooth.
7
Bring the chowder to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
8
Add the green onions, cooked shell pasta, and crabmeat to the pot, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
9
Continue heating the chowder for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Seafood Pasta Chowder?
It is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender shell pasta with sweet crab meat and fresh mushrooms in a luscious, creamy broth.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this seafood chowder is a nostalgic favorite inspired by the flavors of Olive Garden.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of uncooked small shell pasta.
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either fresh crabmeat or imitation crabmeat for this chowder.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 pound of sliced fresh mushrooms.
What is Newburg sauce mix?
It is a dry sauce mix used to create a creamy, savory base; this recipe requires two 1-ounce packages.
Is white wine a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 cup of dry white wine is optional for this recipe.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
You will need 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What type of milk is best for the broth?
You can use 3 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 3 minutes or until they become tender.
What is the recommended cooking vessel?
A non-aluminum 3-quart saucepan is recommended for preparing this chowder.
How long does the chowder need to simmer?
After reaching a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
When do I add the cooked pasta and crabmeat?
Add the green onions, cooked shell pasta, and crabmeat after the broth mixture has simmered for 5 to 8 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this chowder?
Each serving provides about 11.25 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
Each serving has 20 grams of carbohydrates and 1.25 grams of fiber.
Can I add other seafood to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in extra baby shrimp for an even heartier meal.
How should I prepare the crabmeat?
If using fresh crabmeat, carefully sort through it to remove any remaining shells.
How do I prevent the chowder from sticking?
Stir the mixture constantly while it simmers for 5 to 8 minutes to avoid sticking.
What preparation is needed for the green onions?
You should use 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.
What is the order of adding liquids?
Slowly add the milk, water, and optional wine into the saucepan after the sauce mix is combined with the mushrooms.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before adding it to the pot?
Yes, cook the pasta until al dente and drain it before setting it aside to add later.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and takes only a few minutes of active cooking once ingredients are prepared.
How long is the final heating phase?
After adding the final ingredients, heat the chowder for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
What tools are best for mixing the liquids?
A wire whisk is recommended to ensure the mixture is smooth when adding milk and water.
What temperature should the water be?
The recipe suggests using 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates the sugar content is null or negligible.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately once warmed through to enjoy the best texture and flavor.