Name: Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ lb. fresh fish (cod or halibut, cut into 2” pieces); ½ lb. fresh bay scallops; 1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails optional); ½ lb. mussels or clams (scrubbed); 1 onion (sliced thin); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 6 ounce can tomato paste; 1 28 oz. can organic diced tomatoes; 2 cups seafood or chicken stock; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 chorizo sausages (casing removed, optional); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon fresh basil; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley; Freshly cracked pepper (to taste)

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorsome stew that’s packed with fresh seafood and vibrant Italian flavors, you’re going to adore this Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines the briny sweetness of shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a rich, comforting tomato broth. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual dinner or impressing guests, this stew really delivers that warm, cozy feeling in every spoonful. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this fan-freaking-tastic stew come to life in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Authentic Flavor: The blend of fresh seafood with Italian seasoning and tomato creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Despite feeling fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make in under 40 minutes.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap seafood varieties depending on what’s fresh or what you prefer.
Family Favorite: Once I made this for a gathering, my family literally went crazy for it—and I bet yours will too!

The image shows a pot filled with a rich red tomato sauce stew, layered with seafood and meat. There are bright orange shrimp arranged throughout, mixed with chunks of white fish and small dark brown meatballs. Also visible are black mussels partially opened, mixed with pale slices of onion. The sauce looks thick and has some small green herbs scattered inside. A wooden spoon is partly dipped into the stew on the right side. The pot itself is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients together is key here — each one plays a role in making the stew silky, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I always recommend fresh seafood if you can find it, and quality canned tomatoes to make that broth shine.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing and enriches the broth.
Chorizo sausage (optional): Adds a smoky kick and depth, but feel free to skip if you want to keep it strictly seafood.
Onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and texture that gently melts into the stew.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable savory punch.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the broth beautifully.
Organic diced tomatoes (canned): I love using organic for the purest flavor and to keep things fresh-tasting.
Seafood or chicken stock: The secret liquid gold that lifts up all the flavors without overpowering.
Lemon juice: Brightens the stew and balances the richness with a touch of acidity.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings warmth and aromatic complexity.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to give a subtle, pleasant heat.
Fine sea salt: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
Fresh fish (cod or halibut): Firm white fish that holds up well without falling apart in the stew.
Bay scallops: Sweet and tender, they cook quickly and add luxe texture.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds sweetness and a bit of bite – tails on or off is a personal choice.
Mussels or clams: Scrubbed clean, they steam open in the broth, lending ocean brininess.
Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for a fresh herbal note that just wakes up the stew.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, clean finish and makes the dish look irresistible.
Freshly cracked pepper: To taste, enhances complexity with a little extra kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One thing I love about this Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes or what’s available at the market. I often switch up the seafood or spice level depending on mood and season.

Seafood swaps: I’ve used lobster tails or crab legs instead of mussels for a more indulgent stew — both turn out incredible!
Spice it up: For a bolder heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving.
Vegetarian twist: Try making it with artichokes and mushrooms instead of seafood for a delicious, hearty seafood-free stew.
Gluten-free and Paleo friendly: This recipe naturally fits these diets, so no fuss there!

How to Make Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating your extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. If you’re using chorizo, add it now—cooked until it loses all its pink and gets a bit browned, that smoky aroma sets the tone. Next up, toss in the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring often. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 minutes or until the onions soften and start to turn translucent—this is where your stew starts to smell irresistible.

Step 2: Create That Savory Broth

Now, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two—this helps intensify the tomato flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes, chicken or seafood stock, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. I usually let it gently bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors meld and the broth thickens just a bit—this patience really pays off.

Step 3: Add Your Seafood in Layers

Time for the stars of the show — add the cod or halibut pieces first because they take the longest to cook. After a few minutes, add the bay scallops, then the shrimp, and finally the mussels or clams. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes until your fish is opaque and the mussels have opened up. Quick tip: discard any mussels that stay closed—they’re not safe to eat. Your kitchen will be smelling like an Italian seaside spot by now!

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

Once all the seafood is perfectly cooked, gently stir in fresh basil, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning here — sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a squeeze more lemon juice if it feels like the stew needs a little brightness. That’s it! Your Seafood Cioppino Stew is ready to serve hot and devoured fast.

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Pro Tips for Making Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe

Choosing Your Seafood: Freshness is key—I recommend buying your seafood the same day you plan to cook, or as fresh as possible for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook: Seafood cooks fast, so once you add it to the broth, keep an eye so it doesn’t turn rubbery; just opaque is perfect.
Tomato Paste Magic: Cooking the tomato paste before adding liquids deepens the flavor — don’t rush this step!
Handling Mussels: Scrub them well and discard any that remain closed after cooking to ensure safety and best taste.

How to Serve Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with rich red tomato seafood stew sits on a white marbled surface. The stew has layers of orange shrimp with curled tails scattered throughout, shell-on black mussels partially open showing the orange inside, chunks of light beige fish, and pieces of red tomato. On top is a bunch of bright green fresh basil leaves placed in the center. The stew looks thick and glossy, with bits of herbs sprinkled in the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley and basil on top just before serving—it adds brightness and makes the dish look stunning. Sometimes a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze more lemon juice is a big hit too.

Side Dishes

Crusty sourdough or garlic bread is my go-to side; it’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of that rich tomato broth. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also balances the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served Seafood Cioppino Stew in individual soup crocks with toasted baguette slices on the side. It looks elegant but is super simple to pull off, and everyone feels like they’re dining at a seaside trattoria.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the stew completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days—though I have to admit, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing Seafood Cioppino Stew is possible, but I’d recommend freezing before adding the seafood to maintain texture. Freeze the broth base separately, then add fresh seafood when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the stew gently over medium-low heat. If you froze the broth base, simmer it first and then add the fresh seafood to cook through quickly—this keeps everything from getting rubbery or overcooked.

FAQs

Can I make this Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe without chorizo?

Absolutely! The chorizo is optional and adds a smoky depth, but the stew is delicious without it too. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the herbs, tomato base, and fresh seafood.
What type of fish work best in this recipe?

Firm white fish like cod or halibut are ideal because they hold their shape well when simmered. Avoid flaky fish that might fall apart quickly.
How spicy is this Seafood Cioppino Stew?

The recipe has just a pinch of red pepper flakes, so it’s gently warming but not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the broth base ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the seafood fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Cioppino Stew Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together simple, fresh ingredients into something truly comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to cozy seafood stew. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!