Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and Chorizo
A vibrant paella bursting with saffron-infused rice, smoky chorizo, and a bounty of fresh seafood that captures the spirit of oceanic adventure. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, Spanish chorizo, sliced, medium onion, finely chopped 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 oz Spanish chorizo, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups paella rice (Bomba or Arborio)
- 4 cups chicken broth, warm
- 1/2 tsp, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water saffron threads
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 12 pieces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb mussels, cleaned
- 8 oz calamari rings
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz sliced Spanish chorizo and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and starts to brown.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups paella rice and toast for 2 minutes, coating the grains in oil.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups warm chicken broth, 1/2 tsp soaked saffron threads with their water, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Step 5: Arrange 12 peeled shrimp, 1 lb cleaned mussels, and 8 oz calamari rings evenly over the rice. Sprinkle 1/2 cup frozen peas on top. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the rice is tender, seafood is cooked, and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and Chorizo take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and 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 Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and 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 Treasure Island Seafood Paella with Saffron and 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.
