The cooking time for paella can vary depending on the type of ingredients you’re using, the size of your pan, and the heat level. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 20-30 minutes for the rice to cook, but the overall preparation and cooking process can range from 45 minutes to 1 hour. The key is to stay attentive and adjust the heat as needed to avoid overcooking or undercooking the paella.