If you’re searching for a meal that’s bold in flavor, effortlessly impressive, and can go from stovetop to table in just over half an hour, you’ve found your winner: Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish transforms weeknight dinners into a Mediterranean feast, bursting with juicy shrimp, tender calamari, flaky fish, and pops of sweet peas all nestled in spiced, tomato-kissed rice. It’s a symphony of color and aroma, with each bite delivering the soul-warming magic of the sea and a subtle smokiness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of pantry staples, vibrant veggies, fresh or frozen seafood, and aromatic seasonings, assembling this dish couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of savory depth, luscious texture, and a burst of color that will wow from the first spoonful to the last bite.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding richness and a velvety finish.
- Onion: Offers sweet undertones and a gentle bite when perfectly softened.
- Garlic: Brings depth, earthiness, and irresistible aroma (don’t skimp!)
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and a delicate sweetness that balances the dish.
- Long-grain rice: Ideal for soaking up all the savory, saffron-colored broth.
- Smoked paprika: The secret to smoky, sun-drenched flavor and deep amber hues.
- Chili flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- Seafood or chicken broth: Gives the rice its incredible depth and infusion of the sea.
- Canned diced tomatoes: A little tang and juiciness, plus gorgeous red color.
- Shrimp: Plump, sweet, and so quick to cook – always a showstopper.
- Calamari rings or sliced squid: Tender and succulent, they soak up all the spices.
- White fish (cod or tilapia): Flaky texture that pairs beautifully with all the seafood.
- Frozen peas: A pop of green freshness and the perfect finish.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of herby brightness to every serving.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze just before serving lifts every flavor and ties it together.
How to Make Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Once the oil shimmers, add your finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring frequently, until everything softens and the vegetables turn delightfully aromatic. This foundation is essential—it infuses the entire pot with sweetness, warmth, and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Step 2: Toast the Spices and Rice
Add in your uncooked long-grain rice, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir gently for one to two minutes, making sure every grain of rice gets coated in oil and spices. This step unlocks a smoky aroma and ensures your rice will be beautifully seasoned from the inside out.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the seafood or chicken broth and the canned diced tomatoes (with all their juice). Give everything a careful stir to fully incorporate the ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for ten minutes—this transforms the rice and lets all the flavors deepen together.
Step 4: Add the Seafood Stars
Uncover the pot and nestle in your shrimp, calamari, and white fish chunks. Gently stir just enough to distribute the seafood evenly. Cover again and cook another eight to ten minutes, or until the rice is tender, the shrimp blush pink, and the calamari and fish are just cooked through. (The aroma at this stage is out of this world!)
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Rest
Sprinkle in your frozen peas, then stir and cook for another two minutes so they stay bright and crisp-tender. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest (covered) for five minutes. This little pause helps the rice absorb every last bit of flavor and lets the seafood stay juicy and tender.
How to Serve Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds a vivid touch of green and a fresh herbal lift right before serving. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—each person can squeeze their own for a personalized burst of zing that brightens the whole dish. If you’re feeling extra, a final drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds beautiful gloss and mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
For a light Mediterranean dinner, I love serving this Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemony vinaigrette, or perhaps a platter of roasted vegetables for extra color on the table. Warm crusty bread or garlic toasts are nonnegotiable for mopping up every last drop of fragrant sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your seafood rice straight from the pot at the center of the table—family-style is part of the charm! For entertaining, spoon portions into wide shallow bowls and top each with a big piece of shrimp, a wedge of lemon, and a pinch of parsley. To really wow your guests, you can serve the Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe in individual ramekins or miniature skillets for a restaurant-worthy effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The rice continues to soak up flavors, and the seafood remains tender. Just remember, seafood doesn’t like to be kept too long, so enjoy it while it’s still fresh!
Freezing
While freshly made is always best, you can freeze portions if needed. Place cooled rice in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. For optimal texture, consume within one month. Seafood can change texture slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain comforting and delicious.
Reheating
To gently reheat, transfer your portion to a skillet and add a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. Warm over low heat, stirring gently just until heated through—this keeps the seafood tender and prevents it from overcooking. A quick microwave zap also works for single servings; cover loosely to keep in moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp, calamari, and fish work perfectly in this dish. Thaw them first and pat dry for best texture, and be sure to avoid overcooking since they tend to cook quickly.
What other kinds of seafood can I add?
You can get creative—try adding mussels, clams, scallops, or your favorite seafood mix. Just make sure all the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly alongside the rice.
Can I make Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe ahead of time?
The dish is truly at its best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat before serving. If making completely ahead, add the peas and fresh parsley after reheating for the best color and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian way to make this recipe?
Certainly! Replace seafood with hearty vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted mushrooms, and chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. The smoked paprika and rice will still create an irresistibly savory base.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain rice is perfect for this recipe—it cooks up fluffy, separate, and soaks in all the fabulous broth. Avoid sticky rice varieties, which can make the dish too heavy and dense.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make dinner a true event and treat your family (or yourself!) to something special, Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is the answer. It’s colorful, quick, loaded with flavor, and sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and let this easy, comforting meal transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast!
Print
Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick One-Pot Seafood Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines a variety of seafood with aromatic rice and spices. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
Seasonings:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups seafood or chicken broth
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ lb calamari rings or sliced squid
- ½ lb white fish (like cod or tilapia, cut into chunks)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté until softened.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly to coat the rice with the seasonings.
- Cook Rice: Add broth and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Seafood: Stir in shrimp, calamari, and white fish. Cover and cook for another 8–10 minutes until seafood is cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in peas, let sit for 5 minutes off heat, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use your favorite seafood mix or frozen blend for convenience.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine with the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
