Jul 14 2026

Paella Recipe

Time50m
Serves4

A traditional Spanish rice dish with seafood and chicken.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Proteins

Vegetables

Grains

Liquids and Broths

Spices

Garnish

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Ingredients

    Chop the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. Clean the mussels and peel the shrimp.

  2. 2

    Soak the Saffron

    In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in a few tablespoons of warm water to release their color and flavor.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Cook the Chicken

    In a large paella pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  2. 4

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

  3. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes break down.

  4. 6

    Add Rice and Liquids

    Add the bomba or arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat with the tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken stock, white wine, and the saffron with its soaking water. Bring to a boil.

  5. 7

    Simmer

    Reduce the heat to low, return the chicken to the pan, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

  6. 8

    Add Seafood

    After 15 minutes, add the shrimp and mussels to the pan. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mussels open and the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

  7. 9

    Add Peas

    Stir in the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

  8. 10

    Rest and Serve

    Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley before serving.

More from Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center