In traditional paella recipes, a paella pan called a paellera is used. This is a wide, shallow pan left uncovered while the paella cooks to give the rice a crisp texture on the bottom and less of a moist texture throughout. However, a paella pan is not necessary to cook a paella recipe - simply use the largest non-stick frying pan you have to spread the rice out as much as possible. Do not use a cast iron pan.