Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron Rice
A vibrant one-pan paella featuring spicy chorizo, succulent shrimp, and fragrant saffron-infused rice cooked stovetop. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, peeled and deveined large shrimp, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds Spanish chorizo sausage
- 12 pieces, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice
- 3 1/4 cups, warmed chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp, steeped in 2 tbsp warm water saffron threads
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz sliced Spanish chorizo and cook for 3 minutes until it begins to brown and release oil.
- Step 2: Add 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes until pink, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice, cooking for 1 minute to toast the rice.
- Step 5: Pour in 3 1/4 cups warmed chicken broth, 1/2 tsp saffron threads steeped in 2 tbsp warm water, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 6: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and cook for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Step 7: Scatter 1/2 cup frozen peas and the cooked shrimp over the top, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 8: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Saffron 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.
