Enjoy the authentic taste of Spanish paella with our healthy shrimp paella recipe. It delivers all the flavor in a simple, one-pan meal that's low in cholesterol and fat. We combine savory chicken sausage and tender shrimp in a saffron-infused brown rice dish, loaded with artichoke hearts, pimentos, and peas. This speedy shrimp and sausage paella is a perfect healthy one-pan recipe for any night of the week. If you enjoy this, you'll find more to love in our collection of high protein dinner recipes.
This paella is designed to be heart-healthy by using lean proteins like shrimp and chicken sausage instead of high-fat chorizo. It also features whole-grain brown rice for added fiber and relies on low-sodium stock to control the salt content while delivering classic flavor.
The secret to authentic paella flavor is saffron. These delicate red threads infuse the rice with a beautiful golden color and a distinct, aromatic taste that can't be replicated.
The three absolute essentials for any paella are rice (traditionally Spanish-style short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra), saffron for its unique flavor and color, and a flavorful liquid, typically a well-seasoned stock.
For a traditional and heart-healthy paella, it's best to avoid high-fat, greasy meats like chorizo, as they can overpower the delicate saffron flavor. Also, avoid stirring the rice once the liquid is added to help form the prized crispy bottom layer known as socarrat.
Seafood for dinner is a healthy option, made simple with these quick and tasty recipes.
Choose one of these flavorful recipe options to complete your meal.
Recipe yields 12 servings
In a shallow bowl or casserole dish, toss together shrimp, wine and half the garlic. Marinate for at least 1 hour, covered and chilled.
In a large pan, pour chicken stock and clam juice and heat over medium heat. Add chicken sausages and cook until sausages plump, about 10 minutes.
Remove chicken sausages, cut into 1/4-inch slices and set aside.
Add water and bring to a boil. Add onion, remaining garlic, brown rice, saffron and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice is fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
Add shrimp and marinade and stir until shrimp is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Add sausage slices, artichokes, pimientos and peas and stir until mixture is hot. Serve hot.
Swap the brown rice for traditional Spanish Bomba rice or Italian Arborio rice for a creamier, more classic texture.
Bulk up the dish by stirring in a cup of chopped red or green bell peppers along with the onions.
Feel free to substitute the shrimp or sausage with mussels, clams, or diced chicken breast.