June 28, 2026 ยท 40 min

Easy Spanish Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with Smoked Paprika

Dinner40 min650 cal / serving

Transport your taste buds to the sunny coasts of Spain with this vibrant one-skillet paella. Juicy shrimp, crispy chorizo and sweet bell pepper mingle with aromatic smoked paprika and turmeric, creating a deeply flavorful rice dish that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight.

No special pan required-just a large skillet and 40 minutes. The garlic aioli adds a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together. Serve straight from the pan for an authentic, family-style experience.


Recipe details

Dinner40 min650 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories650 kcalProtein33.2 gFat27 gCarbs65.6 gSugar14.4 gFiber2.6 gSodium9302 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: containsFish: containsShellfish: containsPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Bell Pepper1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Garlic2 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Dried Chorizo3 ounce Dried ChorizoView ingredient guide
Arborio Rice0.75 cup Arborio RiceView ingredient guide
Smoked Paprika1 teaspoon Smoked PaprikaView ingredient guide
Turmeric1 teaspoon TurmericView ingredient guide
Mayonnaise2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guide
Shrimp10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guide
Peas6 ounce PeasView ingredient guide
Olive Oil1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Halve, core and thinly slice the bell pepper into strips. Mince the garlic. Thinly slice the chorizo into rounds.
  2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is slightly softened and the chorizo is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir the rice, half the garlic, half the smoked paprika and half the turmeric (use all the turmeric if making 4 servings) into the pan. Cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Stir in 3 cups water (6 cups for 4 servings), the seafood stock concentrates and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the rice is tender, 15-20 minutes. Tip: If the liquid evaporates before the rice is fully cooked, add a splash of water.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and a pinch of the remaining garlic to taste. Stir in water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper and the remaining smoked paprika. When the rice is almost finished, heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a second large pan over high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until opaque and cooked through, 3-4 minutes.
  6. Once the rice is finished, turn off the heat and stir in the peas. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with the cooked shrimp and drizzle with the garlic aioli. Tip: Serve directly from the pan for a family-style paella experience.

Recipe Tips

For best results, use a wide skillet to allow the rice to cook evenly. If you don’t have seafood stock concentrate, substitute with 1 cup fish or chicken broth plus 1 cup water. The aioli can be made ahead and refrigerated.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Arborio rice is ideal for its creamy texture, but you can substitute with short-grain white rice or bomba rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the rice from burning?

Stir occasionally and keep the heat at medium-low after adding the liquid. If the rice starts to stick, add a splash of water.

Can I make this paella without seafood?

Yes, you can omit the shrimp and use chicken or vegetable stock. Add more chorizo or vegetables like artichokes for a hearty dish.

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