Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant one-pan dish featuring shrimp, mussels, and saffron-infused rice, finished with sweet piquillo peppers and fresh parsley. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs short-grain bomba rice, saffron threads, shrimp (peeled and deveined) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add rice, stir to coat in oil. Pour in saffron threads and white wine, stir to combine. Let the mixture bubble for 1-2 minutes, then add 4 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add shrimp, mussels, cherry tomatoes, and piquillo peppers. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep short-grain bomba rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mediterranean Seafood Paella with Saffron and Piquillo Peppers?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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