Italian Style Duck
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian Style Duck, a delightful dish that combines succulent duck breasts with a savory tomato and mushroom sauce. Enhanced by Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms
- 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided ⓘ
- 1 can (29 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced fresh parsley, divided ⓘ
- 1 envelope spaghetti sauce mix ⓘ
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 tsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 1-1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 8 boneless skinless duck breast halves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, saute onion and mushrooms in 2 Tbsp. butter until tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 c. parsley and spaghetti sauce mix.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, try substituting the duck with chicken or turkey if preferred. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but reduce the amount to one tablespoon. Ensure the mushroom and onion are well sautéed to enhance their sweetness, which balances the acidity of the tomato sauce in this Italian-style dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Style Duck over a bed of cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti, to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of toasted herb bread complements the dish perfectly, and consider a fresh Italian Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast. Finish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short bursts, covering with a lid to retain moisture, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Style Duck contains roughly 1135 calories, with 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on duck breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on duck breasts, but be aware that the skin may add extra fat to the dish. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless skinless is recommended to allow the sauce to shine through without added grease.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative as it has a similar flavor profile. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a dairy-free option, adding a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or chopped bell peppers for a milder sweetness. Taste the sauce as you go along to find the right balance for your preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).