Olive Garden Seafood Pasta Chowder

A hearty and creamy seafood chowder is just the ticket for a cold mid-winter meal. Serve this soup with oyster crackers.

Olive Garden Seafood Pasta Chowder is a rich and flavorful soup that combines the goodness of seafood with a creamy and comforting chowder base. Packed with delicious ingredients like crab meat and fresh mushrooms, this chowder is a seafood lover’s delight. The combination of the Newburg sauce, milk, and white wine creates a luscious and savory broth that perfectly complements the seafood and pasta.

To prepare this soup, start by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente, ensuring it retains its texture and bite. Meanwhile, sort through the crab meat to remove any unwanted shell pieces, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they become tender and release their flavors. Then, add the Newburg sauce and stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

Next, it’s time to create the creamy base by adding the milk, water, and white wine. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, add the sliced green onions, cooked pasta, and crab meat, gently stirring to combine all the elements.

The result is a hearty and satisfying seafood pasta chowder that showcases the flavors of the sea. The creamy broth, infused with the essence of the seafood and enhanced by the mushrooms, creates a delicious and comforting bowl of soup. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy during colder months or when you’re craving a taste of seafood in a cozy and comforting way.

Serve the Olive Garden Seafood Pasta Chowder as a main course accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s an excellent choice for seafood enthusiasts and those looking for a hearty and flavorful soup option.

SERVES: 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 ounces small shells or bowtie pasta
• 3 ounces crab meat
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 (1-ounce) packages Newburg sauce
• 3 cups milk
• 1½ cups water
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup sliced green onions

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Sort the crab meat to remove any shell pieces.
3. Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes.
4. Add the Newburg sauce and stir well.
5. Add the milk, water, and wine, and stir well until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add the green onions, pasta, and crab. Stir to combine and heat for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

TIPS:

• Use high-quality seafood: To enhance the flavor and quality of your Olive Garden Seafood Pasta Chowder, opt for fresh and high-quality seafood. This will ensure that the flavors shine through and contribute to a delicious and satisfying soup.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chowder as it cooks and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor and make it suit your taste buds.
• Add variety to the seafood: While the recipe calls for crab meat, feel free to experiment with other types of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or even a mix of different seafood options. This will add variety and depth to the chowder, making it even more enjoyable.
• Don’t overcook the seafood: Seafood cooks quickly, so it’s important to avoid overcooking it to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery. Add the seafood towards the end of the cooking process and allow it to cook just until it’s tender and opaque.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, garnish the Seafood Pasta Chowder with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This will not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall presentation and flavor of the soup.
• Serve with crusty bread: Accompany your Seafood Pasta Chowder with some crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping. The combination of the creamy chowder and the crispy bread is a delightful pairing that adds texture and complements the flavors of the soup.
• Make it ahead of time: This chowder can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal planning. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
• Customize the ingredients: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can substitute or add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or modify the types of seafood used to make the chowder more personalized to your taste.