Saffron-Infused Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo
A colorful Spanish paella combining saffron-infused rice with shrimp, mussels, and smoky chorizo for a rich coastal flavor. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs short-grain paella rice, olive oil, Spanish chorizo, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1 1/2 cups short-grain paella rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz Spanish chorizo, sliced
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb mussels, cleaned
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium tomato, grated
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, steep 1/2 tsp saffron threads in 1/4 cup warm chicken broth for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz sliced Spanish chorizo and cook for 3 minutes until it releases its oils and begins to brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups paella rice and 1 tsp smoked paprika, coating the grains well in the oil and vegetables for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the grated flesh of 1 medium tomato and the saffron-infused broth along with the remaining 3 3/4 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Step 6: Nestle 12 peeled shrimp and 1 lb cleaned mussels into the rice, cover loosely with foil, and cook for another 10 minutes until shellfish open and rice is tender.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Infused Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo?
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 paella rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Infused Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo?
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 Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spanish Seafood Paella with Chorizo?
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.
