Pasta with Duck and Orange

Pasta with Duck and Orange is a delightful fusion of rich flavors, combining tender duck meat with a zesty orange sauce that brightens the dish. This comforting yet elegant meal is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• Duck breast - 2 pieces (approximately 300g each)
• Pasta (linguine or fettuccine) - 200g
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Shallots - 2, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh orange juice - 100ml
• Orange zest - 1 tablespoon
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 150ml
• Fresh thyme - 1 teaspoon, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. 1. Score the skin of the duck breasts in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
2. 2. Season the duck breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. 3. In a cold skillet, place the duck breasts skin-side down and turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
4. 4. In the same skillet, add olive oil, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. 5. Pour in the fresh orange juice and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the orange zest and thyme, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. 6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
7. 7. Slice the duck breasts thinly and return them to the skillet with the orange sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency.
8. 8. Serve the pasta topped with fresh parsley and additional orange zest, if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Duck meat is a good source of protein and essential vitamins like B6 and B12.
• Oranges provide vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for immune health.

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