Low-Carb Sausage and Seafood Paella

Low-Carb Sausage and Seafood Paella

Spanish seafood paella is a classic that hits all the right notes. This dish combines shrimp, scallops, clams, sausage, and It’s Skinny rice for a lightened-up version of this favorite!

Unlike typical traditional Spanish paella recipes, this dish takes only a short time to pull together—and you don't need a special pan. It's great for special occasions, but it comes together fast. Low-carb sausage and seafood paella is perfect for a busy weeknight (but it’s delicious any time, honestly). Enjoy this yummy, flavorful meal today!

All About Seafood Paella

Paella is one of the most ubiquitous dishes in Spain. Because of the Mediterranean origins (and the abundant seafood in the area), the dish usually features fish, shellfish, rice, and spices. In many cases, the dish also includes vegetables, beans or peas, and sausage.

Paella originated as a meal for Lent (when people abstained from eating meat). Historians describe the dish as the embodiment of Spanish culture, taking cues from Roman food as well as Middle Eastern spices and rice.

The name “paella” actually comes from the large frying pan that cooks use to create this yummy dish. In Valencia, the word paella simply means “pan,” but for this dish, chefs use a large, shallow steel paella that features two handles.

Traditional paella was usually a way that people could use up leftover foods. Often in the early centuries, royalty would give servants scraps to take home to eat. Leftover rice, seafood, and vegetables were fried together in a pan to create "paella." Leftover paella stores well and is a great meal any time.

Today, you’ll find authentic paella throughout Spain and the Mediterranean on many menus. It’s really the original “one pan” dish. Although some versions of paella can take a while to prepare, we make our low-carb sausage and seafood paella with It’s Skinny Rice, cutting the cooking time to just minutes. Even better, you don't need a large paella pan, a slotted spoon, or any extra equipment (as you might need for other styles of paella). It's Skinny makes it easy for first-time paella cooks to make this delicious Spanish rice dish.

Our low-carb sausage and seafood paella is perfect for those following a keto diet or any other low-carb meal plan. If you have friends who are also on the ketogenic diet, serve this classic Spanish dish up at your next dinner party. The simple ingredients bring out all the flavors and make this a crowd-pleaser.

Lightening Up Spanish Cuisine with It’s Skinny Rice

Some of our favorite comfort foods are rice-based. Who doesn’t love a yummy risotto, a delicious bowl of fried rice, or rice pudding? Paella is a classic Spanish rice dish that everyone loves. Fortunately, using It's Skinny Rice, this easy keto paella is just as delicious as any traditional recipe.

With It's Skinny, you can enjoy every single one of your favorite rice-based dishes without making them high-carb (and, frankly, high-maintenance). Traditional rice and other types of rice can be a little tricky to get right. The timing has to be just so, and you may need a special rice cooker. You have to be careful not to add too much liquid, and it's hard to get the best results. Even with extra effort, rice is still fussy.

Not so with It’s Skinny! To use ZERO net carb It’s Skinny Rice, all you need to do is tear open the package, drain it, and add it to the dish at the end of cooking time. It's perfect for all sorts of keto recipes. If this is your first time using it's Skinny, this is a great recipe for beginners.

It’s Skinny shirataki rice is made with a special ingredient called konjac root. Konjac takes on the surrounding flavors, making it a perfect way to lighten up any rice dish—keep the texture and consistency you love while ditching the calories and carbs.

For the record, It’s Skinny Rice (and Pasta) has only 9 measly calories per package, with ZERO net carbs! It’s a perfect product for any carb-lover who wants to cut back on the heaviness of their favorite meals. Unlike other types of rice, It's Skinny is low-carb and low-maintenance. It's perfect for every day.

We all know carbs can weigh you down and make you feel sluggish. With It's Skinny, you don't get the crash. Konjac root—the primary ingredient in It’s Skinny, contains glucomannan fiber, which keeps your blood sugar levels steady, helping you feel full and satisfied for longer.

If you’re ready to lighten up your favorites, try all the It’s Skinny varieties:

• Spaghetti
• Fettuccine
• Angel Hair
• Rice

It’s Skinny is available on our website for easy ordering. If you can’t decide which type to try first, we suggest going for the variety pack, where you can enjoy each kind! Treat yourself! With only 9 calories (and ZERO net carbs), there’s no reason to hold back!

Making Low-Carb Sausage and Seafood Paella? Have Questions?

Like most cooks, you probably face a few questions when you start pulling together a recipe. Even though this recipe is pretty easy, you might want to try some variations. Here are some of the FAQs about sausage and seafood paella. This recipe has plenty of protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Can I Use a Different Sausage?

We find that andouille sausage has an ideal blend of spice and flavor for this dish. It pairs nicely with seafood, and since it’s French in origin, it pairs nicely with this Mediterranean dish. That said, you can easily swap andouille for any variety of your favorite sausage here.

Italian sausage works well—go for hot if you like a kick or sweet if you prefer a milder flavor. Spanish chorizo is a classic choice. Any variety of pork, beef, and even chicken sausage would be just fantastic in this paella. Mix it up and try a few different types to see what you prefer. For those who don't love sausage, try another protein, such as chicken thighs, to add meatiness to the dish.

How Do I Get Scallops and Shrimp Right?

We’ve all had rubbery scallops and shrimp before. Of course, if you're making seafood paella, you want to get your timing just right with the scallops, shrimp (and, to a lesser extent, the clams, which are a little more forgiving). The key to getting scallops and shrimp cooked right is avoiding over-cooking them. Shrimp paella is a classic, but you could also use lobster tails or another variety of seafood if you prefer.

Remember that shellfish, like other ingredients, will continue to cook for a short time when they're in a hot pan. Even when you turn off the heat, it's often best to stop the heat a few seconds short. Fortunately, the peas will help you get it right! When the peas are tender and hit a bright green color, it's time to cut the heat. Your shrimp and scallops should be ready at about the same time.

How Do I Cook Clams?

Shellfish doesn't need to be intimidating, but it can be a little challenging at first if you aren't used to using it in a dish. No worries! We've got your back! When you buy bivalves (clams, mussels, and oysters), give them a little tap. They should close their shell. Don't purchase any clams that don't close.

When you cook with clams, you want to be sure that they all open up with the heat. If something doesn’t open when you steam them, toss it!

Could I Use Other Vegetables or Ingredients in Paella?

You could easily include many other vegetables in this easy paella recipe. Green peppers are classic, but red bell peppers, green beans, and any green vegetable would go well in this dish. Red peppers also add a bit of sweetness, which may play nicely with the sausage. Add minced garlic cloves for a little kick. Serve this with lemon wedges and a squeeze of lemon juice or add a splash of white wine as you move the ingredients around the large pan. You can swap your chicken broth for seafood stock or fish stock to play up the flavors too.

Additional spices are also lovely. Saffron threads are often served in authentic paella. While saffron isn't always a key ingredient for the average home cook (it can be a little pricy), if you have some, by all means, add it to your rice mixture. The beauty of paella is that you can really play around with it to suit your taste buds and make it your own.

Cooking Low-Carb Sausage and Seafood Paella

If you're ready to start cooking, gather good quality ingredients, and let's go! All you need is a regular large skillet, It's Skinny Rice, and a few fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal. Once you try this yummy paella, you'll fall in love! It's a satisfying, beautiful dish. Smoked paprika gives our paella a long-cooked flavor without the long cooking time!

Watch Chef Michele make this easy seafood paella recipe on YouTube!