Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp
A vibrant Spanish paella featuring aromatic saffron rice, sweet red peppers, and succulent shrimp that evoke a festive patriotic spirit. This spanish-inspired rice & grains ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, warmed chicken broth, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice (such as bomba or arborio)
- 3 1/2 cups, warmed chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp, steeped in 1/4 cup warm water saffron threads
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 large, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced tomato
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 12, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/2 cup, thawed frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- for serving lemon wedges
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 large sliced red bell pepper and cook for 3 more minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice and 1 tsp smoked paprika, coating the rice in oil and vegetables for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium diced tomato, 3 1/2 cups warmed chicken broth, and 1/2 tsp saffron threads steeped in 1/4 cup warm water. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Step 6: Nestle 12 peeled and deveined large shrimp and 1/2 cup thawed peas into the rice mixture. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until shrimp are opaque and rice is tender.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp?
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 Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp 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 Saffron-Infused Paella with Red Peppers and Shrimp?
Spanish rice & grains 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.
