Easy One-Pot Shrimp Paella Recipe for a Flavorful Meal
Savor the vibrant flavors of Spain with this easy One-Pot Shrimp Paella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish combines succulent shrimp, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one pot for maximum convenience.
Begin by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add rice and seasonings like saffron and paprika to infuse the dish with rich flavors. The addition of tomatoes and broth creates a delicious base, allowing the rice to absorb all the savory goodness. Finally, nestle in the shrimp, letting them cook until tender and juicy.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a stunning, hearty meal that’s both impressive and comforting. Serve it straight from the pot for a casual dining experience, or transfer it to a serving dish for a more elegant presentation. This One-Pot Shrimp Paella is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity.
Enjoy a taste of Spain without the fuss. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, and cleanup is a breeze! So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Easy Preparation: It all cooks in one pot, minimizing prep and cleanup time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of shrimp, saffron, paprika, and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant and aromatic dish.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting proteins.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful layers of shrimp, rice, and veggies make for a visually stunning dish.
- Comforting and Hearty: It’s a filling meal that satisfies without being overly heavy.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both adults and kids alike.
- A Taste of Spain: It offers a delicious introduction to Spanish cuisine, making it fun for themed dinners.
- Leftover-Friendly: Tastes great the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Healthier Option: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined.
- Rice: Short-grain rice, such as Bomba or Arborio, is ideal for paella.
- Saffron: Adds a distinct flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the flavor profile.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a savory base.
- Bell Peppers: Diced (red, yellow, or green) for sweetness and color.
- Garlic: Minced for added aroma and flavor.
- Tomatoes: Diced or crushed, fresh or canned for a rich base.
- Chicken or Seafood Broth: Adds depth to the rice as it cooks.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
- Peas: Optional, for a pop of color and texture.
- Lemon: Wedges for serving, enhancing the dish with freshness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality rice are key to achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Stir Too Much: After adding the rice, avoid stirring to allow a crust to form on the bottom, which is a traditional element of paella known as "socarrat."
- Adjust the Liquid: The amount of broth needed may vary based on the type of rice and your desired consistency, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics Well: Take your time to sauté onions, garlic, and peppers until they are soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the dish.
- Infuse the Saffron: Soak saffron threads in a bit of warm broth before adding them to the pot to enhance their flavor and color.
- Add Shrimp Last: Add the shrimp towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked and rubbery.
- Let It Rest: Allow the paella to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld and the rice to firm up.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or artichokes for variety and added nutrition.
- Serve with Freshness: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to brighten up the flavors.
- Pair with Wine: A light white wine, such as Albariño or a dry rosé, pairs wonderfully with shrimp paella.
Recipes You'll Enjoy...
Savor the vibrant flavors of Spain with this easy One-Pot Shrimp Paella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish combines succulent shrimp, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one pot for maximum convenience.
- 1 pound Shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup Short-Grain Rice (Bomba or Arborio)
- 1/4 tsp Saffron Threads
- 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (diced, any color)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (diced or crushed, fresh or canned)
- 3 cups Chicken or Seafood Broth
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Green Peas (optional)
- 1 Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Spices
Add 1 cup of short-grain rice to the pot along with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in 3 cups of chicken or seafood broth and 1 cup of diced or crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Rice
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the Shrimp
Once the rice is nearly done, arrange the 1 pound of shrimp on top of the rice. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Rest the Paella
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the paella in the pot or transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- Calories from Fat 108kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 200mg67%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.