Paella Marinara is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. With a mix of shrimp, mussels, squid, and saffron-infused rice, this paella is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Topped with hard-boiled eggs and served with lemon wedges, it brings a touch of Mediterranean charm right to your table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 3 Knorr Shrimp Cubes

• ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced

• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups short-grain rice (uncooked)

• ½ tsp saffron

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 3–4 cups water

• ¼ kg shrimp, trimmed

• ¼ kg mussels, cleaned

• ¼ kg squid, cut into rings

• ¼ cup green peas

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

Directions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until aromatic. Add the tomato paste and the Knorr Shrimp Cubes, mashing and stirring well to combine.

2. Toss in the green and red bell peppers and cook for about a minute. Then, add the rice, stirring to coat the rice with the mixture.

3. Gradually pour in the water and saffron, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Cover the pan with foil to trap the steam and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes. This ensures the rice cooks evenly without drying out.

5. Once the rice is nearly done, arrange the seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid) and green peas on top of the rice. Cover again with foil and cook for another 5–10 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.

6. Serve the Paella Marinara with quartered hard-boiled eggs and lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~450

• Total Fat: ~12g

• Saturated Fat: ~2g

• Cholesterol: ~150mg

• Sodium: ~800mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~50g

• Sugars: ~4g

• Protein: ~30g

The Rich History of Paella

Paella’s origins date back to the mid-19th century in Valencia, Spain, where it was traditionally cooked by farm workers using whatever ingredients were available to them. The dish was originally made with rice, beans, and whatever proteins were on hand—often chicken and rabbit. Over time, seafood versions of paella emerged, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, as seafood became more abundant.

Paella Marinara is one of the most beloved variations of this classic dish, focusing exclusively on the seafood that the Mediterranean is so famous for. Mussels, squid, and shrimp take center stage, giving the dish its rich, briny flavor. What makes this variation special is the infusion of saffron, which imparts a unique, golden color and delicate floral flavor to the rice. Whether you’re preparing paella for a festive occasion or just a cozy family meal, it’s a dish that offers an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine.

The Ingredients That Make Paella Marinara Special

At the heart of Paella Marinara is the combination of fresh seafood and aromatic vegetables. The shrimp, mussels, and squid are the stars of the show, providing an array of textures and flavors that are both tender and slightly briny. Mussels offer a delicate sweetness, shrimp add a juicy crunch, and squid contributes a chewy bite that balances the dish’s overall texture.

The rice used in paella is equally important. Short-grain rice is traditionally used for paella because it absorbs the flavors of the broth while maintaining its structure, creating a satisfying, creamy texture. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the saffron-infused liquid, turning golden and flavorful.

The addition of vegetables such as onions, garlic, bell peppers, and green peas brings freshness and a burst of color to the dish. The sautéed onion and garlic form the base of the flavor, while the bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Green peas add a pop of color and slight sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory seafood.

Saffron, one of the most coveted spices in the world, is a key ingredient in paella. Its subtle, floral flavor and vibrant golden color are what make paella so distinctive. The saffron threads are steeped in the cooking liquid, infusing the rice with its unmistakable essence. Combined with the tomato paste and Knorr Shrimp Cubes, the broth becomes rich and full of depth, enhancing the natural flavors of the seafood.

The Cooking Method: A One-Pan Wonder

One of the defining features of paella is its cooking method. Traditionally, paella is cooked in a large, flat pan known as a “paellera.” This wide, shallow pan allows the rice to cook evenly, absorbing all the flavors from the broth and ingredients. For home cooks without a paellera, a wide skillet or Dutch oven can be used to achieve similar results.

The process begins by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil to release their natural sweetness and aroma. Adding tomato paste and Knorr Shrimp Cubes enhances the richness of the base, creating a flavorful foundation for the rice. Once the rice is added, it is stirred to coat each grain with the flavorful mixture. Water and saffron are then added, and the rice is simmered gently. Covering the pan traps the steam, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Once the rice is nearly done, the seafood is added on top, and the dish is covered again to allow the seafood to steam and cook through. The mussels open up, the shrimp turn pink and tender, and the squid cooks to a perfect texture. The key is to let the seafood steam on top of the rice, so it absorbs all the wonderful flavors while cooking gently.

Why Paella Marinara Is Perfect for Special Occasions

Paella is a dish that brings people together. It’s a communal meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it ideal for holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas of Paella Marinara will surely impress your guests, making it the star of the table.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s relatively easy to prepare yet feels like an indulgence. The preparation time is minimal, especially if you have all your ingredients ready to go. The seafood cooks quickly, and the saffron-infused rice requires just a little patience to come together into a flavorful, aromatic base.

Topped with hard-boiled eggs and served with lemon wedges on the side, Paella Marinara is a complete meal that balances rich, savory seafood with fresh, zesty citrus. The hard-boiled eggs add an extra layer of texture and flavor, while the lemon wedges allow each guest to add a bright, tangy finish to their serving.

The Nutritional Benefits of Paella Marinara

Paella Marinara is not only a delicious and indulgent meal but also a nutritious one. The seafood provides a great source of lean protein, with shrimp, mussels, and squid offering essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. Squid, in particular, is a great source of iron, zinc, and vitamins like B12, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

The vegetables in paella—onions, garlic, bell peppers, and peas—are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which contribute to a balanced diet. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, further enhancing the dish’s nutritional profile.

Though paella does have a higher carbohydrate content due to the rice, it is balanced out by the lean protein from the seafood and the fiber from the vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

How to Serve Paella Marinara

Paella Marinara is best served immediately after it’s finished cooking, while the rice is still tender and the seafood is perfectly cooked. The dish is typically served family-style, with everyone gathering around the table to enjoy a hearty portion. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complement the richness of the paella.

For a more festive touch, serve the paella with a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Spanish Albariño, which pairs wonderfully with the seafood. The acidity in the wine helps balance out the richness of the saffron-infused rice and the seafood, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Conclusion

Paella Marinara is a flavorful and vibrant seafood dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. With its combination of tender shrimp, mussels, squid, saffron-infused rice, and aromatic vegetables, this paella is sure to impress both in taste and presentation. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy family meal, this dish is a perfect choice for any gathering.

The ease of preparation, combined with the richness of the flavors, makes Paella Marinara a must-try dish for anyone who loves seafood or is looking to add a bit of Mediterranean flair to their meals. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy the warm, comforting, and flavorful experience that is Paella Marinara.