Savory Shrimp and Chorizo Paella
This Savory Shrimp and Chorizo Paella is a delightful fusion of flavors that's perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. Featuring slices of spicy chorizo, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The vibrant colors of the peas and tomatoes alongside the fragrant rice create a visually stunning dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich taste of this Spanish-inspired classic in a modern, easy-to-make format.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Chorizo sausage
1 (lb, sliced)
Onion
1 (large, diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Vegetable soup mix
1 (packet (1 ounce))
Paprika
1/2 (teaspoon)
Long-grain rice
2 (cups)
Low-sodium chicken broth
4 (cups)
Diced tomatoes
1 (can (14 ounces), drained)
Frozen peas
1 (cup)
Cooked frozen shrimp
1 (lb, not thawed)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chorizo and sauté until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the vegetable soup mix and paprika, mixing well to coat the rice. Cook for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
5
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, stir in the drained diced tomatoes.
6
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
7
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pot from the oven and add the frozen peas and uncooked shrimp on top, cover again, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
8
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before lifting the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, season with freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Shrimp and Chorizo Paella?
It is a Spanish-inspired one-pot dish featuring spicy chorizo, succulent shrimp, and aromatic rice, designed to be a quick and impressive meal.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What type of pot should I use for this paella?
A Dutch oven is recommended because it is oven-safe and distributes heat evenly.
How long does it take to brown the chorizo?
It takes about 5 minutes to sauté the sliced chorizo over medium-high heat until it begins to brown.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
What is the purpose of the vegetable soup mix?
The vegetable soup mix adds a concentrated blend of flavors and seasonings to the rice.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of long-grain rice.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be drained before being added to the pot.
How long does the paella bake in the oven initially?
The paella bakes for an initial 15 minutes after being brought to a boil on the stovetop.
Should the shrimp be thawed before cooking?
No, the recipe specifically uses 1 lb of uncooked frozen shrimp that are not thawed.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Add the frozen peas along with the shrimp after the first 15 minutes of baking.
What is the second baking duration?
After adding the shrimp and peas, the pot goes back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
Let the paella rest for 10 minutes with the lid on after removing it from the oven.
How do I finish the rice before serving?
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and freshly ground pepper.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, this dish is designed to come together in under an hour.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While chicken broth provides depth, you could use vegetable broth or water with additional seasoning.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is the chorizo spicy?
Chorizo typically has a spicy kick which contributes to the fusion of flavors in this dish.
What color should the peas be?
The frozen peas provide a vibrant green color to the finished dish.
Does the recipe use cooked or uncooked shrimp?
The ingredient list specifies cooked frozen shrimp, but the instructions note they are added for a final steam.
Can this be served for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and fragrant rice make it a visually stunning dish for gatherings.
What size onion is needed?
Use one large onion, diced.
Do I need to boil the broth before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should bring the mixture to a vigorous boil on the stove before transferring it to the oven.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, though frozen peas are convenient and retain their color well during the short baking time.
What type of paprika should I use?
While the recipe says paprika, smoked paprika (pimentón) is often used in Spanish cooking for extra depth.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is prepared entirely in a Dutch oven, making cleanup easy.