15 Delicious Spanish Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Spanish cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse dishes that make dinner exciting and satisfying.

From hearty stews to tapas-inspired plates, Spanish dinners combine spices, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and proteins to create memorable meals.

These 15 Spanish Dinner Recipes showcase traditional favorites and modern twists, perfect for bringing authentic Spanish flavors to your table.

Each recipe highlights the richness of Spanish cooking, whether it’s a seafood paella, a savory tortilla, or a robust meat dish.

Whether cooking for family, entertaining guests, or exploring new cuisines, these recipes make Spanish dinners flavorful, versatile, and enjoyable.

15 Delicious Spanish Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Spanish cuisine offers a wide array of flavors, textures, and ingredients that make dinner exciting and satisfying.

With these 15 recipes, you can enjoy traditional and modern Spanish dishes right at home.

From tapas and paellas to hearty stews and vibrant salads, there’s a recipe for every occasion and preference.

These recipes show that Spanish dinners can be both authentic and approachable for home cooks.

Experimenting with fresh herbs, spices, and local ingredients ensures every dish is flavorful, colorful, and delicious.

Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Paella

This Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Paella is vibrant, savory, and bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and a variety of vegetables are cooked with saffron-infused rice for an authentic Spanish dinner.

Perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or a special weeknight treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 6 oz chorizo, sliced
• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp saffron threads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
• Stir in chorizo slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in rice, coating it in the oil and juices from the meat.
• Dissolve saffron in warm chicken broth and pour into the pan.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
• Stir occasionally, adding peas in the last 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and cover with foil for 5 minutes before serving.

This paella is colorful, savory, and aromatic.

Chicken and chorizo provide rich protein while saffron-infused rice delivers authentic Spanish flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend meals.

Rich, satisfying, and unforgettable.

Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

This Spanish Garlic Shrimp is fragrant, garlicky, and quick to prepare.

Shrimp are sautéed in olive oil with garlic, paprika, and chili for a traditional Spanish tapas-style dinner.

Perfect for a light dinner or appetizer served with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic slices and sauté for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant, but not burned.
• Stir in smoked paprika and red chili flakes.
• Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping.

These garlic shrimp are tender, flavorful, and slightly spicy.

Olive oil and garlic create a rich, aromatic base for the shrimp.

Perfect for Spanish tapas, quick dinners, or entertaining guests.

Simple, delicious, and full of authentic flavor.

Spanish Tortilla (Potato Omelette)

This Spanish Tortilla is hearty, golden, and packed with flavor.

Thinly sliced potatoes and onions are gently cooked in olive oil and combined with eggs for a traditional Spanish dinner.

Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a versatile tapas dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced potatoes and onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently until soft and lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Drain excess oil from potatoes and onions and mix them gently with the eggs.
• Return mixture to the skillet and cook over low heat until the edges set, about 8–10 minutes.
• Carefully flip the tortilla using a plate and cook the other side for 5–7 minutes until fully set.
• Slide onto a serving plate and let cool slightly before slicing.

This tortilla is soft, golden, and flavorful.

Potatoes and onions create a tender, hearty base, while eggs provide richness and protein.

Perfect for dinners, tapas, or brunch.

Versatile, filling, and authentically Spanish.

Spanish Beef and Pepper Stew (Carne con Pimientos)

This Spanish Beef and Pepper Stew is savory, hearty, and aromatic.

Beef chunks are simmered with colorful bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a flavorful dinner.

Perfect for family meals or a comforting weekend dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown beef cubes on all sides.
• Remove beef and sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
• Add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
• Return beef to the pot and stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
• Cook gently for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
• Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

This stew is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Bell peppers and tomatoes add sweetness and depth to the tender beef.

Perfect for dinners, family meals, or a warming Spanish dish.

Savory, satisfying, and comforting.

Spanish Grilled Fish with Lemon and Herbs

This Spanish Grilled Fish is light, flavorful, and aromatic.

Whole fish or fillets are marinated with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs, then grilled for a healthy Spanish dinner.

Ideal for seafood lovers and simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole fish or 4 fillets (such as sea bass or snapper)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Rub mixture generously over the fish, both inside and out if using whole fish.
• Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
• Place fish on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
• Remove from grill and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes.
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables or salad.

This grilled fish is light, tender, and flavorful.

Olive oil, herbs, and paprika enhance the natural taste of the fish.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, healthy meals, or elegant weeknight cooking.

Delicious, aromatic, and satisfying.

Spanish Seafood Paella

This Spanish Seafood Paella is vibrant, aromatic, and full of flavor.

Shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid are cooked with saffron-infused rice, bell peppers, and peas for a classic Spanish dinner.

Perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a special weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups seafood or chicken broth
• ½ tsp saffron threads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in rice, coating it evenly with the oil and vegetables.
• Dissolve saffron in warm broth and pour over the rice mixture.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Arrange seafood on top of the rice, pressing slightly into the grains.
• Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and seafood is cooked through.
• Sprinkle peas over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This paella is aromatic, colorful, and brimming with seafood flavor.

Saffron-infused rice absorbs the rich flavors of the seafood and vegetables.

Perfect for festive dinners, family meals, or special occasions.

Savory, tender, and unforgettable.

Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo al Ajillo)

This Spanish Garlic Chicken is fragrant, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Chicken pieces are sautéed in olive oil with garlic and white wine for an authentic Spanish dinner.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or special meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per side.
• Remove chicken and sauté garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
• Return chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Pour in white wine and cover the skillet. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

This garlic chicken is tender, savory, and aromatic.

Olive oil and garlic create a rich, flavorful base for the chicken.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, weeknight meals, or family dinners.

Delicious, comforting, and aromatic.

This Spanish Beef and Chorizo Stew is hearty, spicy, and full of flavor.

Beef and chorizo are simmered with potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes for a warming Spanish dinner.

Perfect for family meals or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 oz chorizo, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Brown beef cubes on all sides, then remove from the pot.
• Add chorizo slices and cook until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, 5 minutes.
• Return beef to the pot and stir in potatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and smoked paprika.
• Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer gently for 1–1.5 hours until beef and potatoes are tender.
• Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread.

This stew is rich, hearty, and comforting.

Chorizo adds depth and spice while beef provides protein and richness.

Perfect for dinners, family meals, or cozy evenings.

Flavorful, savory, and satisfying.

Spanish Stuffed Peppers (Pimientos Rellenos)

These Spanish Stuffed Peppers are colorful, savory, and satisfying.

Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices for a traditional Spanish dinner.

Ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in cooked rice, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Spoon the mixture into hollowed bell peppers, packing gently.
• Place stuffed peppers upright in a greased baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until peppers are tender.
• Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.

These stuffed peppers are savory, hearty, and satisfying.

Beef and rice create a filling, balanced meal while tomatoes add flavor and moisture.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, weeknight meals, or family gatherings.

Delicious, colorful, and hearty.

Spanish Seafood Stew (Suquet de Peix)

This Spanish Seafood Stew is rich, aromatic, and full of Mediterranean flavors.

Fish, shrimp, and mussels are simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic for a comforting Spanish dinner.

Ideal for seafood lovers and special meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb firm white fish, cubed
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb mussels, cleaned
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups fish or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat.
• Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing to a gentle boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
• Add fish, shrimp, and mussels, stirring gently to combine.
• Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes until seafood is cooked and mussels have opened.
• Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

This seafood stew is rich, aromatic, and satisfying.

Fish and shrimp provide protein while potatoes add heartiness and texture.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, seafood meals, or special occasions.

Flavorful, comforting, and unforgettable.

Spanish Octopus with Paprika (Pulpo a la Gallega)

This Spanish Octopus with Paprika is tender, smoky, and flavorful.

Boiled octopus is sliced and served over boiled potatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with smoked paprika for an authentic Galician dish.

Perfect for seafood lovers or a special Spanish dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb octopus, cleaned
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the octopus and cook for 45–50 minutes until tender.
• Drain octopus and allow to cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
• Slice boiled potatoes into rounds and arrange on a serving platter.
• Place octopus slices over potatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika and additional salt on top.
• Serve warm with a wedge of lemon on the side.

This dish is tender, smoky, and full of flavor.

Potatoes provide a hearty base while octopus is rich in protein and seafood flavor.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, tapas, or special occasions.

Simple, elegant, and authentic.

Spanish Garlic Pork (Lomo al Ajillo)

This Spanish Garlic Pork is juicy, aromatic, and lightly spiced.

Pork tenderloin is sautéed with garlic, paprika, and olive oil for a quick Spanish dinner.

Ideal for weeknight meals or family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into medallions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add pork medallions and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, stirring to coat pork evenly.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the medallions.
• Continue cooking 2–3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and pork is cooked through.
• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This garlic pork is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

Smoky paprika enhances the natural richness of pork while garlic adds depth.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, family meals, or quick weeknight cooking.

Savory, juicy, and satisfying.

Spanish Lentil Stew (Lentejas a la Española)

This Spanish Lentil Stew is hearty, savory, and nutritious.

Lentils are simmered with chorizo, vegetables, and smoked paprika for a traditional Spanish comfort food dinner.

Ideal for vegetarian-friendly meals if chorizo is substituted with plant-based sausage.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz chorizo, sliced (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add chorizo slices and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in lentils, smoked paprika, and broth, bringing to a gentle boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

This stew is hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

Lentils provide protein and fiber while chorizo adds a smoky richness.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, family meals, or cozy nights.

Nutritious, warming, and satisfying.

Spanish Eggplant and Tomato Casserole (Berenjenas a la Flamenca)

This Spanish Eggplant and Tomato Casserole is colorful, flavorful, and healthy.

Layers of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and onions are baked in olive oil with paprika for a classic Spanish dinner.

Perfect for vegetarian meals or side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
• Layer eggplant slices, sautéed vegetables, and chopped tomatoes in a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until eggplant is tender.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes for a lightly browned top.

This casserole is flavorful, tender, and aromatic.

Vegetables provide nutrients while olive oil and paprika create authentic Spanish flavors.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, vegetarian meals, or side dishes.

Healthy, colorful, and satisfying.

Spanish Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives (Bacalao a la Española)

This Spanish Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives is savory, aromatic, and tender.

Cod fillets are baked with tomatoes, olives, onions, and paprika for a traditional Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ideal for seafood lovers and healthy weeknight meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cod fillets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add chopped tomatoes and olives, cooking 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
• Place cod fillets in a greased baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Pour tomato and olive mixture over cod, ensuring it is evenly covered.
• Cover with foil and bake 20–25 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork.
• Serve hot with steamed vegetables or rice.

This cod is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

Olives and tomatoes create a rich Mediterranean flavor while paprika adds a smoky depth.

Perfect for Spanish dinners, seafood meals, or healthy weeknight cooking.

Delicious, light, and satisfying.