Paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes—colorful, comforting, and full of delicious textures. Traditionally, it’s made with saffron rice, veggies, and a mix of proteins. But don’t worry: you don’t need specialty cookware or complicated ingredients to make a great version at home.
This recipe is easy, flexible, and perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants a show-stopping dinner.
🍚 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
1 cup short-grain rice (arborio works great)
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric (gives the yellow color)
Salt & pepper to taste
Protein Options (Choose 1–2):
1 cup cooked chicken pieces
1 cup shrimp (peeled)
1 cup sliced smoked sausage or turkey sausage
1 cup tofu cubes (for a vegetarian version)
Veggies:
1 cup frozen peas
1 tomato, diced
Lemon wedges for serving
Optional toppings:
Fresh parsley
Extra lemon
Roasted red peppers
🔥 Instructions
1. Sauté the Base Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pan.
Add:
Onion
Garlic
Bell pepper
Sauté until softened and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the Rice and Spices
Stir in:
Rice
Smoked paprika
Turmeric
Salt and pepper
Mix for 1 minute so the rice gets lightly toasted and coated in flavor.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the broth and add the chopped tomatoes.
Stir once, then do not stir again — this helps the rice cook like real paella.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Protein
Layer your protein choices evenly over the rice:
Chicken
Shrimp
Sausage
Tofu
They will cook while the rice absorbs the broth.
5. Let Everything Cook
Cover the pan with a lid.
Cook for 15–20 minutes on low heat until:
The rice absorbs most of the liquid
The proteins are cooked through
The top looks set
If the rice isn’t done, add a splash more broth.
6. Add Peas and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the peas over the top.
Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes.
7. Create the Crispy Bottom (Optional but AMAZING)
Traditional paella has a toasty crust (called socarrat).
To make it:
Increase the heat to medium-high for 1–2 minutes
Do NOT stir
You’ll hear soft crackling — that means the crispy layer is forming.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the lid and let the paella sit for 5 minutes.
Finish with:
Lemon wedges on top
Fresh parsley
Extra seasoning if needed
Enjoy the BEST paella you’ve ever made!
⭐ Why This Is the Best Paella Recipe Ever
Easy ingredients — no specialty items needed
No alcohol — totally safe for teens
Flexible — works with chicken, seafood, tofu, veggies
One-pan meal — less cleanup
Big flavor — smoky, colorful, comforting
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
🔧 Tips for Paella Success
Don’t stir the rice after adding broth—this keeps the texture perfect.
Turmeric replaces saffron cheaply but still gives color.
Use a wide pan so the rice cooks evenly.
Add shrimp toward the end if using—they cook fast.
Fresh lemon on top makes EVERYTHING taste better.
🍽️ Yummy Variations
Veggie Paella
Use:
Mushrooms
Zucchini
Spinach
Artichokes
Chicken-Only Paella
Brown the chicken first for extra flavor.
Seafood Paella
Add shrimp, mussels (optional), and peas.
Spicy Paella
Mix in a little cayenne or hot paprika.