Paella(Spain)
A hearty Spanish-inspired seafood and chicken paella featuring savory sausage, shrimp, and rice, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown sausage links and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Add minestrone soup, tomato sauce, thyme, and garlic powder; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 3 minutes.
- Add shrimp and chicken to the mixture.
- Simmer, covered, until shrimp are pink and chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked rice.
- Remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand until almost all the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve in bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic paella, consider adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate some diced jalapeños. You can substitute the Italian sausage with chorizo for a more traditional flavor profile. Make sure to use quick-cooking rice for the best texture and avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella in deep bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added brightness. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a side of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing sangria or a light white wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the paella cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paella(Spain) contains roughly 384 calories, with 41g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1262mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this paella recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella ahead of time. Cook it as instructed, then cool it completely before storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for shrimp in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with cooked scallops or even diced firm white fish like cod. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or additional vegetables, which will still make for a hearty dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the meat should be no longer pink in the center, and the juices should run clear when cut.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).