PF
Close-up of a seafood paella with prawns in a pan, a wooden spoon, and blue towel.
Stovetop~50 minComplexity

Classic Spanish Paella

This Classic Spanish Paella delivers 39g protein and 602 calories per serving — one of the highest-protein rice dishes available. Batch-preps 6 servings in one stovetop pan, eliminating the multi-dish cleanup that stalls meal prep. Designed for anyone building lean muscle while maintaining a sustainable prep routine.

Rate this recipe:

Ingredients

6 servings
  • Olive oil(30g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Yellow Onion
  • Garlic(360g)
  • Bell Pepper
  • Chicken Thigh, Boneless Skinless

    Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.

  • Tomato
  • Wine, White, Dry(120g)
  • 1 pinch salt (to taste)
  • 1 pinch pepper (to taste)
  • Mussels
  • Calamari (Squid)(227g)
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth(900g)

    Any carton chicken broth labeled "low sodium." Swanson or store brand.

  • Rice, Jasmine, White, Dry(480g)
  • Peas, Sweet, Frozen(120g)
  • Saffron, Dried(5g)
  • Paprika, Ground(5g)
  • Garlic powder(3g)
  • Onion powder(3g)
  • Shrimp(595g)
  • Parsley, Fresh(30g)
  • Bell Pepper(15g)

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. 2Push the vegetables to the sides and add the chicken thighs to the center of the pan. Cook 6–8 minutes over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Add the diced tomato, salt, and pepper; cook 5 minutes until the tomatoes release their liquid and begin to form a sauce.
  3. 3Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the mussels and calamari; cook 4–5 minutes over medium-high heat until the wine reduces by half and the mussels begin to open.
  4. 4Pour in the chicken broth, then add the jasmine rice, frozen peas, saffron, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. 5Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. 6Nestle the raw shrimp into the rice, cover again, and cook 4–5 minutes over medium heat until the shrimp turn opaque and the rice is fully tender with a slight crust on the bottom.
  7. 7Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and arrange bell pepper strips on top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  8. 8Divide the paella evenly into 6 shallow bowls or plates while hot, ensuring each serving contains protein, rice, and broth.

Nutrition — Per Serving

602

calories

39g

protein

7g

fat

Carbohydrates
91g
Saturated fat
1.3g
Sodium
370 mg
Dietary fiber
4.3g

6 servings per batch · ~482g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

+ Add to Meal Plan

AI Swap Engine

Swap any ingredient and get recalculated macros instantly.

Set your goal to unlock — free, 30 seconds

Common questions

How much protein does Classic Spanish Paella have per serving?

Each serving contains 39g of protein and 602 calories with 7g fat and 91g carbs, making it a high-carb, high-protein option.

How long does Classic Spanish Paella take to prep?

This recipe qualifies as quick prep and yields 6 servings from one stovetop session, allowing efficient batch cooking for multiple meals.

Is Classic Spanish Paella good for muscle gain?

At 39g protein and 91g carbs per serving, this recipe excels during muscle-building phases where carbohydrate intake supports training intensity and recovery. The 602-calorie density aligns with a surplus needed for lean gains.

Crockpot Lasagna

Slow Cooker · 6 servings

63g protein490 cal8g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Slow Cooker · 10 servings

70g protein540 cal11g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Stovetop · 8 servings

59g protein530 cal14g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Beef Bacon Pasta

Stovetop · 10 servings

67g protein600 cal18g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan