The Sunniest Spanish Paella Recipe for Your Dinner Table

Nestled in the heart of spanish cuisine, this vibrant paella recipe whispers tales of coastal kitchens and sun-drenched landscapes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the delicate balance of saffron-infused rice and seafood treasures.

Wooden spoons stir memories of marketplace chatter and family gatherings around steaming pans.

Each ingredient tells a story of tradition and passion, waiting to dance on your taste buds.

Colorful bell peppers and tender shrimp create a symphony of flavors that connects you to mediterranean roots.

Regional spices weave magic into every grain, promising an authentic culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor each bite and imagine the warmth of valencia’s kitchens with this incredible dish.

Why Paella Recipe Feels Like A Feast

• Unfold Authentic Spanish Flavors: This paella recipe brings the vibrant taste of Spain right to your kitchen, delivering a rich culinary experience that transports you to the Mediterranean coast with every bite.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Requiring only a single pan and simple cooking techniques, this recipe offers a hassle-free meal preparation that minimizes cleanup while maximizing delicious results for busy home cooks.
• Celebration of Diverse Proteins: Packed with chicken, sausage, and shrimp, the dish provides a protein-packed meal that caters to various taste preferences and creates a satisfying dining experience for meat lovers.
• Quick Weekend Showstopper: With a total cooking time of around 30-40 minutes, this paella becomes an impressive yet achievable weekend meal that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation without extensive culinary skills.

What You’ll Need For Paella Recipe

• Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp: A delicious trio of proteins that provides rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the paella. Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken for more depth, Spanish chorizo for authentic taste, and fresh shrimp with shells removed.

• Rice, Saffron, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Authentic Spanish rice gives the classic paella structure and absorbs all the wonderful flavors. Saffron adds golden color and unique aroma. Select short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra for traditional results. Use high-quality Spanish saffron for best flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Tomatoes, Peas, Parsley: Fresh vegetables and herbs that build complex flavor layers. Seek colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and ripe tomatoes. Fresh peas add brightness and green color. Flat-leaf parsley provides fresh finish.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Lemon Wedges: Olive oil creates initial flavor base. Warm chicken broth helps rice cook perfectly. Fresh lemon wedges offer bright, acidic contrast when serving.

How To Cook Paella Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a spacious paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color. Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables

• Sausage
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic

Cook sausage until lightly browned. Toss in chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Toast the Rice with Spices

• Saffron (dissolved in water)
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Add Liquid and Chicken

Pour warm chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pan. Gently stir once, then carefully nestle the previously cooked chicken pieces back into the mixture.

Step 6: Simmer the Paella

Reduce heat to low. Let the paella simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Avoid stirring during this time. The rice should be mostly cooked, and liquid nearly absorbed.

Step 7: Finish with Seafood and Peas

Arrange shrimp and peas on top of the paella. Cover the pan with foil or a lid. Cook for 5-8 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, and rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove the paella from heat. Keep covered and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the paella. Serve with bright lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Helpful Hints For Paella Recipe

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a wide, shallow paella pan or skillet to ensure even heat distribution and perfect rice texture.
• Master the No-Stir Technique: Resist the urge to stir the rice while cooking to develop a delicious crispy bottom called socarrat, a traditional paella hallmark.
• Customize Protein Choices: Swap chicken and shrimp with seafood, vegetables, or plant-based proteins to suit different dietary preferences and make the dish versatile.
• Control Rice Moisture: Add warm broth gradually and avoid stirring to achieve perfectly cooked, separate rice grains with ideal consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast rice before adding liquid to boost nutty undertones and develop a more complex, rich taste profile in your paella.

How To Keep Paella Recipe Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover paella in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the rice and seafood separate if possible.
• Transfer paella to a shallow container to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the rice's texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Freeze paella without shrimp for best results, placing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
• When reheating frozen paella, warm it slowly to preserve the original flavors and prevent the rice from becoming tough or dry.

Tasty Pairings For Paella Recipe

• Boost Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Spanish Albariño or Rioja red wine to complement the rich, savory flavors of the paella. These wines match perfectly with the seafood and sausage, cutting through the dish's robust spices.
• Citrus Drink Companion: Prepare a refreshing sangria or a zesty lemon-infused sparkling water to balance the paella's depth. The bright, acidic notes will cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Tapas Starter Suggestion: Serve small plates of manchego cheese, marinated olives, and jamón ibérico before the paella. These traditional Spanish appetizers will set the mood and create a authentic mediterranean dining atmosphere.
• Dessert Finale: End the meal with a light almond cake or churros with chocolate dipping sauce. These sweet treats will provide a delightful contrast to the savory paella and complete the Spanish culinary journey.

Fun Changes To Paella Recipe

• Seafood Extravaganza: Replace chicken and sausage with an abundant mix of fresh seafood like scallops, mussels, and calamari for an ocean-inspired version that highlights marine flavors.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean: Swap proteins with roasted artichokes, grilled zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers while keeping the classic saffron rice base and traditional cooking method.
• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Increase the heat by using spicy Spanish chorizo instead of mild sausage and adding red pepper flakes for an extra bold and zesty paella experience.
• Lamb and Herb Fusion: Substitute chicken with tender lamb pieces and incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme to create a rich, aromatic Mediterranean-style paella with deeper, more complex flavor profiles.

Paella Recipe FAQ

• What makes paella so special in Spanish cuisine?

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia, representing the rich culinary heritage of Spain. It’s a one-pan meal that beautifully combines rice, meats, seafood, and vegetables, showcasing the country’s diverse ingredients and cooking techniques.

• Do I need a special pan to make authentic paella?

While a traditional paella pan (called a “paellera”) is ideal, you can successfully make the dish in a large wide skillet or cast-iron pan. The key is having a wide, shallow cooking surface that allows rice to develop the signature crispy bottom layer called “socarrat”.

• Can I substitute saffron if it's too expensive?

Saffron is crucial for authentic paella flavor, but if it’s cost-prohibitive, you can use turmeric for color and a pinch of ground safflower for a similar subtle taste. However, the unique saffron aroma will be slightly different.

• How do I know when the paella is perfectly cooked?

Look for these signs: rice should be tender but not mushy, a golden-brown crispy layer (socarrat) at the bottom, and liquid mostly absorbed. When shrimp turn pink and seafood is cooked through, your paella is ready to be enjoyed.

Paella Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spanish kitchens come alive with this authentic paella, a saffron-kissed rice dish brimming with succulent seafood and aromatic spices. Passionate cooks discover Mediterranean magic on their plates, inviting culinary exploration through each flavorful, golden-hued bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• ½ lb Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage, sliced
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Base and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice or bomba rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth (warm)
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (steeped in 2 tablespoons warm water)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious paella pan or wide skillet, warming olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful cooking foundation.
2. Introduce chicken pieces into the hot pan, searing until a rich golden-brown crust develops on all surfaces. Carefully transfer the browned chicken to a temporary holding plate.
3. Incorporate sausage into the sizzling pan, allowing it to caramelize and release its savory essence. Add a medley of diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become tender and translucent.
4. Gently fold rice into the aromatic mixture, toasting the grains to enhance their nutty flavor. Sprinkle saffron-infused water, paprika, salt, and pepper to build layers of complexity.
5. Stream warm chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pan, creating a harmonious liquid base. Delicately nestle the previously seared chicken pieces back into the developing dish.
6. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the paella to cook uncovered. Let the rice absorb the flavorful liquid without disturbing the developing crust, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Artfully arrange shrimp and sweet peas across the surface of the paella. Cover the pan to steam the seafood and complete the cooking process, ensuring shrimp turn pink and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
8. Remove the pan from heat, allowing the paella to rest and settle its flavors. This brief moment helps the dish achieve its signature texture and allows ingredients to meld harmoniously.
9. Finish by scattering fresh parsley and presenting lemon wedges alongside, inviting diners to add a bright, citrusy note to this classic Spanish masterpiece.

Notes

• Choose a wide, shallow pan to ensure even rice cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Toast rice carefully to create a nutty base that enhances the overall paella complexity.
• Keep liquid levels consistent by adding warm broth, preventing rice from becoming too dry or soggy.
• Allow the paella to develop a crispy bottom layer called “socarrat” by not stirring during final cooking stages.
• Substitute proteins easily: swap chicken for tofu, seafood for vegetables, or use plant-based sausage for vegetarian version.
• Use high-quality saffron for authentic flavor, but budget-friendly turmeric can provide similar golden color if needed.
• Prevent overcooked seafood by adding shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain tenderness.
• Serve immediately after resting to preserve optimal texture and temperature of rice and proteins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg