Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Roasted Red Pepper
A vibrant Spanish seafood paella brightened with saffron and smoky roasted red peppers, featuring tender shrimp, mussels, and calamari over saffron-scented rice. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice (e.g., bomba or arborio)
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 pieces mussels, cleaned
- 1 cup calamari rings
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for garnish lemon wedges
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 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 large chopped roasted red pepper and 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
- Step 3: Warm 4 cups chicken broth and steep 1/2 tsp saffron threads in it for 5 minutes. Pour broth and 1/2 cup white wine into the pan, stirring to combine. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Step 4: Nestle 8 large shrimp, 12 cleaned mussels, and 1 cup calamari rings into the rice. Sprinkle 1/2 cup frozen peas over top. Cover loosely with foil and cook for another 8-10 minutes until seafood is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Infused Seafood Paella with Roasted Red Pepper 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 Seafood Paella with Roasted Red Pepper?
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 Seafood Paella with Roasted Red Pepper?
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 Roasted Red Pepper 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 Roasted Red Pepper?
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.
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