Quick Seafood Paella Recipe

Seafood Paella is a flavorful, one-pan dish that brings the vibrant taste of Spain to your table. This easy version of the classic paella combines fresh seafood, fragrant saffron, and tender rice to create a delightful meal in less time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a special family dinner, this seafood paella is both delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The saffron-infused rice combined with a mix of seafood provides a bold and aromatic flavor in every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is made in one pan, which makes cleanup simple and reduces kitchen stress.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 40 minutes, this quick seafood paella is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite seafood or substitute it with chicken or vegetables for a personalized twist. For another delicious one-pan meal idea, check out our Mediterranean Wrap Recipe, also perfect for quick dinners.

Ingredients for Quick Seafood Paella

For the Paella:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup arborio rice (or bomba rice for authentic paella)
• ½ tsp saffron threads, crushed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth or seafood stock
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb mussels, cleaned
• ½ lb squid rings
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Spices

1. Stir in the arborio rice, allowing it to toast in the oil for 2 minutes, coating the grains well.
2. Add the crushed saffron threads and smoked paprika, stirring to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth (or seafood stock), bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

1. Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and squid rings on top of the rice.
2. Cover the pan with a lid or foil, allowing the seafood to steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and the mussels have opened.

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Serve

1. Sprinkle the frozen peas over the paella during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. Season the paella with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for the Best Quick Seafood Paella

1. Use Quality Saffron

Saffron is key to achieving the signature flavor and vibrant yellow color of paella. Use high-quality saffron threads and crush them before adding to release the flavor.

2. Toast the Rice

Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps enhance the flavor and ensures the rice absorbs the broth properly, giving you a perfectly cooked, tender paella.

3. Choose Your Seafood

Feel free to mix up the seafood to your liking. Add clams, scallops, or even fish fillets. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking the seafood.

4. Avoid Over-Stirring

Unlike risotto, paella rice should not be stirred too much once the liquid is added. This helps create the desired crusty bottom layer known as socarrat.

Variations on Quick Seafood Paella

1. Chicken and Chorizo Paella

For a meaty twist, swap out the seafood for diced chicken thighs and sliced chorizo. Sauté them in the pan before adding the rice, following the same steps.

2. Vegetarian Paella

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the seafood with a variety of vegetables like artichokes, zucchini, and roasted red peppers. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken or seafood stock. You may also want to check out our Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast for another unique vegetarian option.

3. Mixed Paella

Combine both seafood and meats for a rich, mixed paella. Add pieces of chicken, sausage, and shrimp to create a heartier version of this dish.

4. Spicy Paella

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the rice along with the paprika. You can also use spicy chorizo for an extra kick.

What to Serve with Seafood Paella

While this paella is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a few sides to enhance your dining experience:

1. Simple Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the paella. The acidity of the dressing balances out the richness of the dish.

2. Crusty Bread

Serve warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious saffron-infused broth. This also adds a nice crunchy texture to the meal.

3. Spanish Olives

A bowl of marinated Spanish olives on the side is a great appetizer or side dish that complements the Mediterranean flavors of the paella.

4. Sangria

Nothing pairs better with a Spanish meal than a fruity glass of sangria. The refreshing sweetness of sangria complements the savory flavors of the paella.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 6g

This Seafood Paella is rich in protein from the seafood and provides a good source of fiber from the vegetables and rice. It’s a balanced meal perfect for a healthy dinner option.

FAQ for Quick Seafood Paella

1. What is the best rice to use for paella?

For authentic paella, the best rice to use is short-grain varieties like bomba rice or arborio rice. These types absorb liquid well without becoming mushy, making them ideal for the paella cooking method.

2. Can I make paella without saffron?

Yes, you can still make a flavorful paella without saffron, though it won’t have the signature yellow color. You can substitute turmeric for a similar hue, though the flavor will be slightly different.

3. How do I know when the seafood is done?

The seafood is done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the mussels open. Squid rings will become tender after just a few minutes of cooking. Be sure not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.

4. What’s the secret to a perfect paella?

The secret to a perfect paella is using quality ingredients, especially saffron, and allowing the rice to cook undisturbed. This creates the crispy, flavorful layer at the bottom known as socarrat, which is highly prized in traditional paella.