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Shrimp Paella
ShrimpDinnerHealthy Eating

Shrimp Paella

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (48 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Shrimp Paella offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 41g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 501 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Shrimp Paella offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Shrimp Paella to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Shrimp Paella, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound fresh shrimp, shelled and
  • deveined without tails
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and
  • diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 saffron threads

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In a saucepan bring water to a boil

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add rice and stir

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes

Step 4: Technique & Execution

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the garlic and shrimp for about 5 minutes or until pink

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Pour in broth, tomatoes and saffron; bring to a boil, stirring frequently

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Stir in 2 cups of the cooked rice and reduce heat to low

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories501 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein41gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates25gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat16gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Shrimp Paella

This chef-curated Shrimp Paella offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 48 votes
Shrimp Paella
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories25% DV
501 kcal
Protein82% DV
41g
Fat21% DV
16g
Carbs9% DV
25g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: In a saucepan bring water to a boil

2

Technique & Execution: Add rice and stir

3

Technique & Execution: Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes

20:00
4

Technique & Execution: In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the garlic and shrimp for about 5 minutes or until pink

5:00
5

Technique & Execution: Pour in broth, tomatoes and saffron; bring to a boil, stirring frequently

6

Technique & Execution: Stir in 2 cups of the cooked rice and reduce heat to low

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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