The Absolute Best Weeknight Paella No Pressure

Weeknight Win What is Paella Easy Spanish Rice Dish

By Laura TideAugust 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: The Absolute Best Weeknight Paella

Ever fancied a taste of Spain without the hassle? Me too! This weeknight paella recipe is your answer. It brings vibrant flavours to your table quickly.

Think saffron rice, juicy chicken, and chorizo. It's proper tasty.

Discovering What Is Paella

So, what is paella exactly? It's a classic Spanish rice dish. Originating from Valencia, it's a celebration of flavours. This version is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight.

It’s a taste of sunny Spain at home.

This paella is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 20 minutes. Cooking is around 40 minutes. The total time is one hour. It makes enough for 4-6 hungry people.

Benefits Galore

This Authentic paella recipe is more than just delicious. Chicken and chorizo provide plenty of protein. Bell peppers add essential vitamins.

Saffron? It's linked to mood boosting properties, honestly. This is an amazing Spanish rice dish .

It's a cracking dish for family dinners or casual gatherings. It's perfect for showing off your cooking skills without slaving away all day.

Seriously, it's a winner! This Easy Scampi Recipe of Paella is so versatile, honestly.

Okay, Let's Get This Paella Party Started!

Paella ingredients are simple but key. You'll need olive oil, chicken, chorizo, onion, and bell pepper. Don't forget garlic, rice, chicken broth, and saffron.

Smoked paprika, peas, and lemon wedges complete the dish. You can even add Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta if you like, or Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti .

Why not, ay!

Here's why this recipe is special. It delivers authentic flavour in a fraction of the time. The key is to use good quality ingredients.

Don't skimp on the saffron! Trust me. You can even serve Shrimp Scampi Noodles with it if you are feeling frisky.

This Shrimp Scampi Noodles Recipe is so easy. This is how to make paella properly.

Let's get cooking, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Okay, let's get this paella party started! First, we need to talk about the goodies. This isn't just chucking stuff in a pan. We're building flavour!

Main Ingredients

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml), extra virgin. Go for a fruity one. You know?
Chicken Thighs: 1 pound (450g), boneless, skinless, 1 inch pieces. Thighs stay juicy.
Chorizo: 4 ounces (115g), Spanish style, ¼-inch slices. Quality chorizo makes a difference.
Onion: 1 medium (150g), yellow, chopped. Adds sweetness.
Bell Pepper: 1 red (150g), seeded, chopped. Colour and flavour, sorted!
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic always makes it better.
Paella Rice: 1 ½ cups (300g), short grain (Bomba or Calasparra). Important for the right texture.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml), low-sodium. Warm it up for even cooking!
Saffron: ½ teaspoon , lightly crushed. This gives what is paella its signature flavor.
Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon . Adds a smoky depth.
Frozen Peas: ½ cup (75g). For a bit of green.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key.
Lemon Wedges: For serving. A squeeze of freshness.
Parsley (Optional): Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.

Seasoning Notes

Okay , so this is where we get a bit cheffy. Saffron and smoked paprika are a match made in heaven.

Honestly , don't skip them! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick, if you're feeling brave. The balance of spice and savory is crucial!

If you can't find proper Spanish Chorizo, Italian sausage (removed from its casing) will do in a pinch. Try not to sub the saffron if you can, though.

It's kinda key to Authentic paella recipe , How to make paella , and Spanish rice dish

Equipment Needed

Paella Pan: 14 inch . Or a large, wide skillet with a lid. Size matters!
Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: Essential for prep.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is your friend.

Don't have a fancy paella pan? A large skillet works. Just make sure it's wide and has a lid. Let's focus in Paella ingredients .

This will help make the Weeknight paella recipe an absolute breeze. Just use a big frying pan and you are golden to cook this Easy Scampi Recipe .

If your looking for Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta, Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti , Shrimp Scampi Noodles Recipe or even simply Shrimp Scampi Noodles and the ingredients should be mostly similar.

Cooking Method: Paella Perfection Made Easy!

Okay, let's get this paella party started! Who doesn't love a taste of Spain? I know I do! Paella seems intimidating, right? All those fancy ingredients, all that simmering.

.. Well, I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be. I'm going to share my weeknight cheat's version that still packs a flavour punch.

Honestly, it's so good. Even my fussy eaters love it!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!

First, what is paella without a solid prep game? It's a disaster waiting to happen. So, chop your 1 medium yellow onion , 1 red bell pepper .

Mince those 2 cloves garlic . Dice up 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs . Slice 4 ounces chorizo . Measure out 1 ½ cups short grain paella rice and 4 cups chicken broth .

Crush that ½ teaspoon saffron threads a little, and get your ½ cup frozen peas ready. Having everything ready saves so much time and stress.

I used to forget ingredients all the time until I started doing this.

Safety Reminder : Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken! Okay?

step-by-step: Paella Power!

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your 14 inch paella pan (or a wide skillet) over medium high heat.
Brown 1 pound chicken and 4 ounces chorizo . Take them out, and put them aside.
Cook 1 medium chopped onion and 1 red bell pepper until soft. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until you can smell it. Mmm!
Add 1 ½ cups rice . Toast it for 1- 2 minutes , stirring, until it smells nutty.
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth . Stir in ½ teaspoon saffron , ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , salt, and pepper. Put the chicken and chorizo back in.
Simmer, covered, on low for 20 minutes . Don't stir!
Stir in ½ cup frozen peas . Cook for another 5- 10 minutes . Listen for that sizzling ! This means the socarrat is forming!
Rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving with lemon wedges and parsley if you are feeling fancy.

Pro Tips: Secrets of the Paella Pros

Don't. Stir. Seriously. Resist the urge! It makes the paella gummy. You know?
Want authentic paella recipe flavour fast? Use good quality smoked paprika. It makes a difference!
Easy Scampi Recipe : Use scampi and you have a new dish!
If the rice is still hard after 25 minutes , add a splash more broth. But just a splash!

I hope you love this easy version how to make paella as much as my family does! It's a great Spanish rice dish for a weeknight.

Get the paella ingredients and get cooking! I reckon it's also a cracking Weeknight paella recipe !

Recipe Notes for Your Weeknight Paella

Right, what is paella anyway? It's basically Spain's amazing rice dish! And this version is gonna be your new favourite.

Honest! It is so quick and easy that you will ask yourself why you have not tried it before. Let’s move on now,

Plating and Presentation

Okay, let's get this paella party started! I always like to serve my paella straight from the pan. It looks rustic and impressive, you know? Scatter some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of colour.

A squeeze of lemon is essential too. It brightens up all those lovely flavours. For sides, I love a simple green salad or some crusty bread to mop up all the delicious juices.

Why not try a pitcher of Sangria? Perfect combo!.

How to Store Your Paella

Leftover paella? Lucky you! It tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

You can freeze it too. It's best to freeze it as soon as it's cooled down. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Microwaving is fine, but a pan on the hob gives better results, honestly. Reheat over low heat.

Easy Adaptations and Swaps

Fancy a veggie version? Just ditch the chicken and chorizo. Add some artichoke hearts or mushrooms instead. Use vegetable stock.

If you're gluten-free, just make sure your chorizo doesn't contain any gluten. Watch out for those sneaky ingredients! For a seasonal twist, use roasted butternut squash in the autumn.

It's lovely! You could try changing the chicken and using Easy Scampi Recipe

Paella Nutrition Basics

This paella is packed with protein from the chicken and chorizo. It also has veggies for added goodness. Rice provides carbohydrates.

Saffron adds some antioxidants. It's a fairly balanced meal, all told. Just be mindful of the sodium content in the broth.

You can also reduce the portion size to lower the calories of each dish. I find this dish is perfect to give a healthy and comforting meal.

So there you have it! My top tips for making this paella even more amazing. Remember that key of cooking a great Spanish rice dish is don't be scared to experiment.

Have fun and enjoy, you deserve it! How to make paella ? Now you know it is so easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, so what is paella exactly? I've heard so much about it!

Paella is a classic Spanish rice dish originating from Valencia. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of a risotto, but drier and often cooked in a wide, shallow pan (the paella pan!). It typically includes rice (usually Bomba or Calasparra), saffron, and a variety of meats, seafood, and/or vegetables.

What makes paella different from other rice dishes, and what is paella "supposed" to taste like?

Paella is distinct from other rice dishes because of its cooking method and the unique flavour profile created by saffron and smoked paprika. Unlike risotto, it isn't stirred much, allowing a crispy crust (socarrat) to form on the bottom, which is highly prized!

The taste is savoury, slightly smoky, and infused with the delicate floral notes of saffron, with the other ingredients adding their own flair. It's a real taste of the Mediterranean.

Can I make paella ahead of time, or is it best served immediately like a Yorkshire Pudding?

Paella is best enjoyed fresh, ideally right after it's cooked, to appreciate the texture and socarrat at its peak. However, you can prepare some of the ingredients, like chopping vegetables or cooking the chicken and chorizo, ahead of time.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the rice may dry out a bit. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore some moisture.

I'm a vegetarian. Can I still enjoy paella? What are some veggie friendly substitutions I can make?

Absolutely! Vegetarian paella is a delicious option. Simply omit the chicken and chorizo and load up on vegetables like artichoke hearts, mushrooms, green beans, and bell peppers. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian. Consider adding some butter beans for extra substance!

Help! My paella is sticking to the bottom and burning! What am I doing wrong?

A little sticking is normal (that's how you get the socarrat!), but burning is a different story. Make sure you're using a heavy bottomed pan and keeping the heat on low once the rice is simmering. Resist the urge to stir, but you can carefully lift the rice with a spatula to check the liquid level underneath.

If it's drying out too quickly, add a splash more broth. Ultimately, it's a fine line, but practice makes perfect - even Bake Off contestants have their off days!

I can't find paella rice, any suggestions?

Don't fret! If you can't find Bomba or Calasparra rice (the best types for paella), Arborio rice, the rice you'd use for risotto, is a good substitute. It's widely available in most supermarkets. Just be aware that Arborio may require a little less liquid, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.

Adjust the broth accordingly so it doesn't get too mushy.