If you have been craving a heartwarming dish that combines the delicate flavors of the ocean with a comforting, flaky crust, then you are in for a treat with this Seafood Pot Pie Recipe. Imagine succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and sweet lump crab meat enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with fragrant herbs and a hint of lemon, all nestled beneath a golden, buttery crust. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. This Seafood Pot Pie Recipe brings together simplicity and elegance in every bite, turning everyday ingredients into a memorable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role: from the mixed seafood providing a delicious variety of tastes, to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and color, and the buttery crust that ties everything together.
- Mixed seafood (1 pound): A blend of shrimp, scallops, and lump crab meat delivers a delightful array of ocean flavors and textures.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Essential for creating a rich, savory base in your filling and helping soften the veggies.
- Onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Acts as the thickening agent, turning your sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
- Seafood stock or chicken broth (2 cups): Provides moisture and a savory backbone that enhances the seafood flavor.
- Whole milk or half and half (1 cup): Creates a luscious creaminess that makes the filling utterly comforting.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup): Offers a pop of color and subtle sweetness to balance the richness.
- Diced celery (1/2 cup): Brings a refreshing crunch and complements the other veggies beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the flavors perfectly.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): Imparts a classic, slightly spicy seasoning well-loved in seafood dishes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essentials for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds a burst of fresh color and herbaceous aroma.
- Refrigerated pie crusts or puff pastry (1 package, thawed): The flaky, golden crust that seals in all that amazing filling.
How to Make Seafood Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9-inch pie dish lightly. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery to the pan, sautéing until everything softens and becomes fragrant. This base stage is critical as it sets the aromatic foundation for the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in your seafood stock and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens into a luscious, velvety sauce. This is where the comforting texture of the pot pie filling comes to life.
Step 3: Season and Add Veggies
Stir in Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, fresh lemon juice, peas, carrots, and chopped parsley. These ingredients not only season the filling perfectly but add fresh pops of color and balanced flavors to keep every bite exciting. This step builds layers of taste that make the pot pie truly remarkable.
Step 4: Incorporate the Seafood
Gently fold in your mixed seafood, allowing the residual heat to turn the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat just opaque and tender. This careful handling ensures the seafood stays succulent and doesn’t overcook. The filling is now ready to be transferred into your prepared pie dish, setting the stage for the delicious finale.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy seafood filling into the pie dish. Cover with the thawed pie crust or puff pastry, trimming and crimping the edges neatly. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top crust to let steam escape, which helps in baking a beautifully golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling with irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This short wait helps the filling settle so each slice comes out neat and every bite has that perfect creamy consistency. Then you’re ready to serve up a dish that feels both luxurious and comfortingly familiar.
How to Serve Seafood Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill brightens the dish beautifully while adding an herbaceous finish. A few lemon wedges on the side can also encourage your guests to add a fresh, citrusy kick, which contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides light and fresh to complement the richness of the pot pie. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed asparagus with a dash of lemon are perfect partners. Alternatively, roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs work beautifully for those wanting a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in small ramekins with puff pastry lids for a charming, personalized touch. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or Parmesan on top of the crust before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, your Seafood Pot Pie Recipe can stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for weekday meals.
Freezing
This pot pie freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn, and it can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, until the filling is hot and bubbly. This method preserves that flaky crust and creamy filling much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites such as cod, halibut, or even lobster to customize the flavor and texture. Just be mindful of cooking times for different seafood types.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk or a plant-based milk mixed with a dairy-free butter alternative. This will alter the flavor slightly but keeps the creamy texture intact.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble with the crust and cook as usual for a stress-free meal.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No worries! A mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can mimic the flavor profile surprisingly well, adding that classic seafood spice.
How do I ensure the crust stays flaky and golden?
Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough if making your own crust, or choose a high-quality pre-made crust. Brushing the top with a little beaten egg before baking also promotes a beautiful golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pot Pie Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully to create a meal that comforts as much as it delights. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or hosting a special dinner, this pot pie delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen classic!
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Seafood Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Seafood Pot Pie features a delicious mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce with peas and carrots, all encased in a flaky golden crust. Perfect for a hearty main course, it’s an elegant twist on classic pot pie that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1 pound mixed seafood such as shrimp peeled and deveined, scallops, and lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half and half
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts or puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock and milk, stirring continually until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce. Stir in Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, frozen peas and carrots, and chopped parsley to add flavor and color.
- Incorporate Seafood. Gently fold in the mixed seafood and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the seafood is just opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Assemble the Pie. Pour the seafood filling into the prepared pie dish. Cover with the thawed pie crust or puff pastry, trimming and crimping edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve. Remove from oven and let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow filling to set.
Notes
- You can adjust the seafood combination based on availability, using any combination of shrimp, scallops, crab, or other seafood.
- For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for the milk in the filling.
- This dish reheats well and can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
