Midweek Paella Recipe - Quick and Easy Dinner

Paella is often seen as a time-consuming dish reserved for weekends or special occasions. However, what if we told you it could become your midweek dinner hero? With the right ingredients and techniques, this Spanish classic can be simplified into a quick, easy, and delicious meal without sacrificing its signature flavors.

This recipe is specifically crafted for busy professionals, home cooks, and foodies who want to enjoy a vibrant dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you can whip up a midweek paella in under an hour!

Why Paella is Perfect for Midweek Dinners

Paella is a one-pan wonder that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. Traditional versions might take a while, but by tailoring the recipe with accessible ingredients and simplified steps, we can bring this Spanish treasure to your dinner table faster.

Its bold combination of rice, protein, and vegetables makes it a wholesome choice, eliminating the need for side dishes. Plus, who doesn’t love the crisp, golden Socarras (the caramelized rice crust at the bottom of the pan) paired with those savory, aromatic flavors?

What You’ll Need to Make Midweek Paella

Here’s a cheat sheet of the ingredients and equipment you'll need to make things smooth and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice (like Arborio or a paella-specific variety)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1½ cups chicken or vegetable stock (low sodium)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads (optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
• 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 medium tomato, grated or finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Optional protein add-ons (cooked chicken, chorizo slices, or mussels)

Equipment

• A large, wide skillet or paella pan (preferably non-stick)
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Prep Time

15 minutes for ingredient prep, 30 minutes to cook (total time under 1 hour).

Step-by-Step Guide to Midweek Paella

1. Sauté Your Base Ingredients

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.

2. Add Rice and Spices

Pour in the rice and stir it thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. This helps coat the rice grains with oil for better absorption. Toss in the smoked paprika and saffron, letting the spices bloom and infuse the rice with their vibrant, earthy flavors.

3. Simmer the Stock and Cook the Rice

Add the chicken or vegetable stock and grated tomato to the pan, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Avoid stirring at this point. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Finish with Shrimp and Peas

Once the rice is nearly cooked, layer the cooked shrimp and frozen peas evenly on top. Cover the pan with a lid and allow everything to steam for 5 minutes. This step ensures the peas cook through and the shrimp are warmed without overcooking.

5. Create the Socarrat (Optional)

Raise the heat to medium-high for 1–2 minutes without stirring to create a crispy rice crust at the bottom of the pan. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

6. Serve with Lemon Wedges

Remove the paella from the heat and garnish it with fresh lemon wedges. Serve directly from the pan to preserve the beautiful presentation and crispy socarrat.

Tips for Perfect Paella

• Time-Saving Alternative: If saffron isn’t on hand, a pinch of turmeric will add a rich yellow hue and earthy flavor.
• Customizable Proteins: Replace shrimp with chicken, chorizo, mussels, or tofu for a flexible, protein-packed dish.
• Even Cooking: Use a wide pan to cook the rice in a thin, even layer for optimal texture and authentic results.
• Batch Cooking: Paella makes excellent leftovers for the next day! Simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh it.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights

This midweek paella recipe is all about maximizing flavor while minimizing effort. By cutting down on prep and using pre-cooked proteins (like shrimp or rotisserie chicken), you save time without compromising quality.

The addition of frozen peas and common kitchen staples makes this dish accessible to even the busiest cooks. And with fewer than 10 steps, this recipe keeps things simple yet satisfying, offering restaurant-level taste at home.

Share Your Midweek Paella Creation!

We’d love to see your version of this quick and easy paella! Share a photo on social media using the hashtag #MidweekPaella and tag us at [YourBrandHandle].

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