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–+ servings
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Imitation Crab

Easy One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Imitation Crab Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb imitation crab cut into large chunks
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed or finely minced
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper plus more for finishing
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Fresh herbs parsley or dill, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatularmesan)
  • Measuring cups
  • Grater for Parmesan

Method
 

Sauté the Imitation Crab
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add olive oil or butter, then add the imitation crab.
  3. Season with: garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt
  4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently, until lightly golden and warmed through.
Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil to the same pan.
  3. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Do not brown the garlic.
  5. Add Cream & Parmesan
  6. Lower heat to medium-low.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.
  8. Season lightly with black pepper. Add salt only if needed — Parmesan is naturally salty.
  9. ⚠️ Important: Do not let the sauce boil or bubble aggressively, or it may separate.
  10. The sauce is ready when: all Parmesan is fully melted, it coats the spoon, when you run a spatula through the pan, the sauce leaves a trail for a few seconds before coming back together
Combine & Finish
  1. Return the cooked imitation crab to the pan.
  2. Gently fold into the sauce until fully coated and heated through.
  3. Finish with:
  4. freshly cracked black pepper
  5. chopped fresh herbs

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish:
  • Over pasta
  • With steamed rice
  • Alongside baked or mashed potatoes
  • As a stand-alone creamy seafood dish

Tips & Variations

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Substitute half the cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded

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