Cheddar Paella

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Creamy, cheesy seafood rice dish with Spanish-inspired spices and fresh vegetables
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This hearty Cheddar Paella is a comforting twist on the classic Spanish dish, combining briny clams, sweet shrimp, and savory vegetables with fluffy long-grain rice. The dish is elevated by a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese, which melts into the rice to create a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and green peppers provide a fresh crunch, while paprika and cayenne add a warm, smoky depth. The pimiento-stuffed olives offer a surprising burst of sweetness and color. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan meal is satisfying, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table. Its a delicious way to enjoy seafood and cheese in a single, cohesive dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.

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Cheddar Paella

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 1580.9

Description

This hearty Cheddar Paella is a comforting twist on the classic Spanish dish, combining briny clams, sweet shrimp, and savory vegetables with fluffy long-grain rice. The dish is elevated by a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese, which melts into the rice to create a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and green peppers provide a fresh crunch, while paprika and cayenne add a warm, smoky depth. The pimiento-stuffed olives offer a surprising burst of sweetness and color. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan meal is satisfying, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table. Its a delicious way to enjoy seafood and cheese in a single, cohesive dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Scrub clams under cold water to remove sand; devein shrimp if necessary.
  2. In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chopped onions and green peppers; saut for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Stir in peeled tomatoes, paprika, cayenne, and salt; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add long grain rice, stirring constantly to coat grains in the oil and toast slightly for 1 minute.
  6. Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in 4 cups of hot water; pour into the pan with the rice.
  7. Add bay leaf; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  8. Nestle clams and shrimp into the rice; cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until shells open and shrimp are pink.
  9. Remove bay leaf and any unopened clams; gently fold in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
  10. Garnish with sliced pimiento-stuffed olives; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1580.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 58.6g91%
Saturated Fat 12.7g64%
Cholesterol 906.7mg303%
Sodium 1575.8mg66%
Total Carbohydrate 87.6g30%
Dietary Fiber 13.5g54%
Sugars 3.9g
Protein 183.4g367%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: paella, cheddar, shrimp, clams, rice, seafood, spanish, cheese, dinner, comfort food, one pan, vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, olives, herbs, spices, main course, family meal, easy dinner
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