Pasta with Duck and Thyme

This Pasta with Duck and Thyme is a rich and savory dish that combines tender duck meat with aromatic thyme, creating a delightful flavor profile. Perfectly paired with al dente pasta, it's an elegant yet approachable meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Duck breast - 200 grams
• Pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle) - 160 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Shallot - 1, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh thyme - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 250 milliliters
• Heavy cream - 100 milliliters
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated

Steps

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Score the skin of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the duck breast skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
4. Flip the duck breast and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, shallot, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
6. Add the chopped thyme and stir for an additional minute to release the aroma.
7. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
10. Slice the rested duck breast thinly and add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
11. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Duck is a good source of protein and essential vitamins.
• Thyme has antibacterial properties and is rich in antioxidants.

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