Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Spanish seafood paella featuring saffron-stained Arborio rice, tender shrimp, and mussels simmered to perfection. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs Olive oil, medium, finely chopped Yellow onion, medium, diced Red bell pepper 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, stirring to coat the grains in oil and vegetables for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups heated vegetable broth and 1/2 tsp saffron threads steeped in 2 tbsp warm water; stir gently and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 15 minutes without stirring.
  6. Step 6: Nestle 12 large shrimp and 20 cleaned mussels into the rice, scatter 1/2 cup frozen peas on top, and cook for an additional 7 minutes until shellfish are cooked and rice is tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice?

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 Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice 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 Seafood Paella with Arborio Rice?

Spanish 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.

Related recipes