This Ina Garten Shrimp Paella recipe is colorful and aromatic, which includes tender shrimp and saffron-infused rice. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in under an hour.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken stock, warmed
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving

How To Make Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers; cook 7–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and paprika; cook 1 minute.
- Add rice and saffron: Stir in Arborio rice and cook 2 minutes to coat. Add saffron water and mix well.
- Add stock and tomatoes: Pour in chicken stock and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Add shrimp and peas: Nestle shrimp into rice and sprinkle peas on top. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes, until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips
- Avoid stirring: Not stirring during simmering helps form the classic crispy bottom layer (socarrat).
- Seafood variations: Add mussels or clams along with shrimp for a mixed seafood paella.
- Rice choice: Arborio works well, but traditional bomba or calasparra rice is ideal if available.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced chorizo for heat and flavor.
- Serving tip: Serve straight from the pan for a rustic presentation.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Shrimp Paella
Paella pairs well with:
- Crusty bread with garlic butter
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Spanish olives and manchego cheese

How To Store Ina Garten Shrimp Paella
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as rice and shrimp can lose texture when thawed.
Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make paella without saffron?
Yes, substitute turmeric for color, though flavor will differ slightly.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Why is my rice mushy?
Overcooking or using too much liquid can make rice soft; measure stock carefully.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Ina Garten Lobster Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe
Ina Garten Shrimp Paella Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes410
kcalA vibrant Spanish-inspired rice dish with shrimp, saffron, and vegetables — ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
-
3 tbsp olive oil
-
1 large onion, chopped
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 red bell peppers, chopped
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
-
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
-
4 cups warm chicken stock
-
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 cup frozen peas
-
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
-
Lemon wedges
Directions
- Heat oil; sauté onion and peppers until softened. Add garlic and paprika; cook 1 min.
- Add rice; stir 2 min. Stir in saffron water.
- Add stock and tomatoes; season. Simmer uncovered 15 min without stirring.
- Add shrimp and peas; cover and cook 5–7 min.
- Rest 5 min; garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
