Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, our Luminous & Easy Shrimp paella with Colorful Bell Peppers is a celebration of culinary simplicity meeting Mediterranean tradition. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a visually stunning and mouthwatering feast, perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend gatherings.

Infused with fragrant spices, tender shrimp, and a rainbow of crisp bell peppers, it’s a delightful way to bring a splash of sunshine to your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice,this paella invites you to savor the essence of Spain without the fuss-ready in under 30 minutes and overflowing with fresh,wholesome goodness.

Bright & Easy shrimp Paella with colorful Bell Peppers

Bright & Easy Shrimp Paella with Colorful Bell Peppers combines a vibrant palette of fresh ingredients with the rich, conventional flavors of Spain’s beloved rice dish. Originating from the sun-soaked regions of Valencia, this recipe infuses every bite with the bright sweetness of bell peppers and the oceanic tenderness of perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that’s as joyful to prepare as it is indeed to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a stunning weeknight dinner, this dish promises to elevate your culinary repertoire with its bursting colors and fragrant spices.

Prep and Cook time

• Planning: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 generous portions

Difficulty Level

Easy – perfect for home cooks looking to impress with minimal fuss

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups short-grain Spanish rice (like bomba or arborio)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
• 3 ½ cups seafood or chicken broth, warmed
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. sauté aromatics and peppers: Heat olive oil in a wide paella pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Add spices and rice: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the vegetables and stir. Pour in the rice and toast it gently for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains evenly with oil and spices.
4. incorporate broth, saffron, and tomatoes: Pour the warm broth and saffron water into the pan, then add diced tomatoes. stir once to combine, then spread the rice evenly and avoid stirring as it simmers. Season with salt and pepper. bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.Let cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
5. cook the shrimp and peas: nestle shrimp into the rice, distributing evenly. Scatter peas on top. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque and rice is tender but firm. Avoid stirring to achieve that classic paella socarrat (crispy bottom layer).
6. rest and garnish: Remove from heat and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to deepen flavors.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Tips for Success

• Bright & Easy Shrimp Paella with Colorful Bell Peppers shines with fresh, quality ingredients-choose firm shrimp and fresh bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
• Soaking saffron in warm water maximizes its aromatic potential and color infusion in the broth.
• Use a wide, shallow pan to ensure even cooking and to develop a crisp bottom layer-an essential characteristic of authentic paella.
• Resist the temptation to stir once the broth is added; this forms the prized socarrat and prevents mushy rice.
• If you can’t find bomba rice, arborio works well but watch the cooking time closely to avoid over-softening.
• Make it ahead: Cook the rice and vegetables, then add shrimp just before serving to preserve their delicate texture.

Serving Suggestions

Present this vibrant paella directly from the pan for a rustic, communal experience. Garnish with bright lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish, enhancing the seafood’s natural sweetness. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a chilled gazpacho for a refreshing contrast. A chilled Spanish white wine, such as Albariño, perfectly complements the dish’s aromatic saffron and smoky paprika notes.

nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	7 g

For more inspiration on Spanish dishes, explore our collection of Spanish classics. To deepen your understanding of saffron’s flavor and culinary history, visit Saffron.com.

Q&A

Q&A: Bright & Easy Shrimp Paella with Colorful Bell Peppers

Q1: What makes this shrimp paella “bright and easy”?
A1: This recipe combines vibrant bell peppers with succulent shrimp to create a visually stunning and flavorful dish. The “easy” part comes from simplified steps and accessible ingredients that skip the complex traditional methods, making paella approachable for cooks of all levels.

Q2: Why use colorful bell peppers in paella?
A2: Bell peppers add not only a burst of color but also a sweet, crisp contrast to the tender shrimp and smoky spices. Their natural sweetness balances the savory saffron-infused rice, elevating the dish both visually and in flavor complexity.

Q3: Can I substitute shrimp with other proteins?
A3: Absolutely! While shrimp brings a light seafood flavor, you can swap it with chicken, chorizo, or a mix of seafood like mussels and clams. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything’s perfectly cooked.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes! The ingredients-shrimp, bell peppers, rice, and spices-are naturally gluten-free, making this paella a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.

Q5: What’s the secret to perfectly cooked rice in this paella?
A5: The key is using a medium-grain rice like bomba or arborio that can absorb flavorful broth without becoming mushy. Also, resist stirring once the broth is added; this helps develop the prized crispy bottom layer, known as “socarrat.”

Q6: How can I make this dish more festive for a dinner party?
A6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh zing. Serve alongside a chilled white wine or a sparkling sangria to complement the dish’s bright flavors and keep the mood lively!

Q7: Any tips for prepping in advance?
A7: You can chop the bell peppers and season the shrimp a few hours ahead. Make the broth beforehand to intensify its flavors. Just assemble and cook the rice fresh for the best texture and taste.

Q8: What spices are essential to achieve authentic paella flavor?
A8: Saffron is the star-it imparts that golden color and subtle floral aroma. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Garlic and onion build the savory base, creating a harmonious spice profile that’s unmistakably paella.

Q9: Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
A9: Definitely! Replace shrimp with hearty vegetables like artichoke hearts, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth rather of seafood broth to keep it meat-free but still flavorful.

Q10: Why is paella such a beloved dish worldwide?
A10: Paella is a celebration of communal eating, vibrant ingredients, and rich Mediterranean culture. Its versatility and bold flavors invite creativity while honoring tradition-making it a beloved, festive dish enjoyed across generations and continents.

Future Outlook

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this Bright & Easy Shrimp Paella with Colorful Bell Peppers brings a vibrant splash of flavor and color to your table. Its delightful blend of tender shrimp,sweet bell peppers,and fragrant spices transforms a classic Spanish dish into an accessible,crowd-pleasing meal anyone can master. So next time you crave something both comforting and visually stunning,let this paella be your go-to recipe-proving that bold tastes and simple steps can truly dance together in perfect harmony.