Superior Spanish Paella
A vibrant, saffron-infused rice dish with tender chicken, plump shrimp, and colorful bell peppers, cooked in a single pan. This spanish-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs short-grain rice, chicken thighs, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 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
- 2 cups short-grain rice
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 medium diced bell peppers
- 1 tsp soaked in 2 tbsp warm water saffron threads
- 1 large diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups short-grain rice, stirring to coat in oil. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in 1/2 cup white wine and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir until the wine is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 1 lb shrimp, and 2 medium diced bell peppers. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and the shrimp turn pink.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups hot broth (or water), add 1 tsp saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Superior Spanish Paella take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 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 Superior Spanish Paella?
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 rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Superior Spanish Paella?
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 Superior Spanish Paella 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 Superior Spanish Paella?
Spanish one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
