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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
