This quick and easy paella captures the essence of Spain in every bite. The rich saffron broth, infused with the sweetness of shrimp shells, pairs beautifully with smoky chorizo, tender shrimp, and a medley of vegetables. The final golden crust at the bottom of the pan, known as the socarrat, delivers a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this paella offers restaurant-worthy results without the fuss. Serve it straight from the pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for a dish that’s as stunning to present as it is delightful to eat.
Full Recipe:
For the Saffron Broth:
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1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon saffron threads (or more to taste)
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2 ¼ cups chicken broth
For the Paella:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 ounces chorizo sausage, sliced into thin rounds
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½ yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ⅓ cups Arborio rice
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½ cup green peas
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1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
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Salt to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, sauté shrimp shells with 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat until pink and fragrant (1–2 minutes).
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Stir in saffron, then add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until broth is rusty brown and aromatic, about 20 minutes.
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Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, measure 2 cups, and keep warm over low heat.
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chorizo slices, about 2 minutes per side.
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Add diced onion, cooking until soft and translucent (3 minutes). Lower heat to medium-low.
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Stir in garlic until fragrant (1 minute), then add rice, coating it fully in oil. Stir in peas.
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Spread rice evenly in the skillet, arrange shrimp in a single layer on top, and place pepper strips around them. Season with salt, paprika, and cayenne.
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Increase heat to high; when rice sizzles, pour over the hot saffron broth, shaking the skillet gently to distribute liquid.
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Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until rice is nearly tender but still slightly wet.
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Transfer skillet to stovetop over medium-high heat and cook 3–5 minutes until rice is tender, liquid absorbed, and a golden crust forms on the bottom.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 476 kcal | Servings: 6
A Celebration of Spanish Culinary Tradition
Paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes, originating from the Valencia region on the country’s eastern coast. Known for its vibrant colors, aromatic flavors, and festive presentation, paella has become a symbol of togetherness and celebration. Traditionally prepared over an open flame in wide, shallow pans, paella has evolved into many variations depending on the available ingredients and local preferences. The Quick and Easy Paella is a simplified yet flavorful adaptation that allows home cooks to enjoy the essence of the dish without needing specialized equipment or an entire afternoon to prepare it.
Why This Paella is “Quick and Easy”
Authentic Valencian paella often involves multiple proteins such as chicken, rabbit, mussels, clams, and squid, along with a variety of seasonal vegetables. The cooking process can be lengthy, involving careful layering and even distribution of heat over a paella pan. However, this quick version streamlines the process without sacrificing the distinctive saffron-infused flavor or the textural hallmark of paella — the coveted socarrat, the crispy layer of caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan. By using accessible ingredients like chorizo and shrimp, and utilizing an oven to control cooking temperature, this recipe achieves rich flavors in a fraction of the time.
The Role of Saffron in Paella
Saffron is often called the “golden spice” for both its brilliant hue and its value. In paella, saffron serves a dual purpose — it imparts a deep, earthy aroma and gives the rice its signature golden color. This recipe enhances the saffron’s potency by steeping it in broth along with shrimp shells, creating a base that’s layered with flavor from the very beginning. While saffron can be expensive, even a small amount elevates the dish. Some home cooks choose to supplement with turmeric for color, but true saffron brings a floral complexity that is hard to replicate.
The Flavor Backbone: Chorizo and Shrimp
The combination of smoky, spiced chorizo and sweet, succulent shrimp forms the heart of this paella. Chorizo lends a deep, paprika-rich smokiness that permeates the rice, while shrimp offers a briny sweetness that balances the robust sausage flavors. Cooking the shrimp shells with saffron and broth extracts every ounce of flavor, making the stock an integral part of the dish’s success. This pairing also ensures that the paella appeals to both meat and seafood lovers.
The Socarrat – Paella’s Signature Touch
One of the defining features of an excellent paella is the socarrat — the crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan. It’s a product of carefully allowing the rice to cook undisturbed toward the end of the process, letting the natural sugars and oils in the dish develop a golden crust. In this quick version, a final stint on the stovetop after oven baking ensures a beautiful crust without risk of burning. For many paella aficionados, this is the best part of the dish, offering a satisfying texture contrast to the tender rice above.
Customizing Your Quick Paella
While this recipe focuses on shrimp and chorizo, the technique leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation. You can easily incorporate additional seafood such as mussels, clams, or scallops for a more elaborate presentation. Those who prefer a meat-forward dish might add chicken thighs, pork, or rabbit. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely, replacing the stock with vegetable broth and adding robust vegetables such as artichokes, zucchini, and green beans. The adaptability of paella makes it perfect for showcasing seasonal produce and local ingredients.
Pairing Paella with Side Dishes and Drinks
Paella is a complete meal in itself, but thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. A crisp, refreshing salad with citrus dressing complements the richness of the rice and sausage. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful oils left behind in the pan. For beverages, Spanish wines such as Albariño or Tempranillo pair beautifully, as does a sparkling cava. Sangria, with its fruity brightness, is another festive choice that enhances the paella’s Mediterranean spirit.
Presentation and Serving Style
Part of the magic of paella is the way it’s served — traditionally, it’s brought to the table in the very pan it’s cooked in. This creates an impressive centerpiece that encourages communal dining, with guests helping themselves directly from the pan. Garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon wedges not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a burst of freshness to balance the rich flavors. The vibrant colors of red peppers, golden rice, and green peas make for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Cultural Significance and Social Connection
In Spain, paella is more than just a meal; it’s a social event. Often cooked outdoors for family gatherings, holidays, and festivals, it represents community, hospitality, and shared enjoyment. The Quick and Easy Paella captures that same convivial spirit, even when made in a home kitchen. By simplifying the process, it allows cooks to spend more time with their guests rather than being tethered to the stove, while still delivering an authentic taste of Spanish culture.
Tips for Success
A few thoughtful touches can help ensure that your paella turns out perfect every time. First, avoid stirring the rice once you’ve added the broth — this helps maintain the distinct texture and allows the socarrat to form. Use the right pan if possible; a wide, shallow skillet ensures even cooking and proper liquid absorption. Lastly, taste for seasoning just before serving, adjusting salt and spices as needed. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before bringing it to the table adds a luxurious finish.
A Dish for All Occasions
This streamlined paella is versatile enough to work for both casual weeknight dinners and special celebrations. Its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it an ideal choice for entertaining, while its manageable cooking process ensures it’s accessible for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re introducing someone to Spanish cuisine or satisfying a craving for Mediterranean flavors, Quick and Easy Paella delivers every time.
Conclusion
Quick and Easy Paella is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a dish worthy of a celebration. By focusing on essential flavors — saffron-infused rice, smoky chorizo, and sweet shrimp — and using a simplified cooking method, this recipe offers all the charm of traditional paella with a fraction of the effort. It’s a dish that invites sharing, sparks conversation, and brings the warmth of Spanish hospitality to any table. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a special treat for your family, this paella is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.