**Chickpeas Variation (Vegetarian and Vegan)**

Chickpeas, commonly referred to as garbanzo beans, are a flexible and wholesome legume that can be changed into a tasty dish with the right mix of seasonings. This chickpeas variation is ideal for individuals adhering to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, providing a robust and fulfilling meal choice.

**Ingredients:**
– 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ¼ teaspoon cumin
– ¼ teaspoon dried dill
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**
1. Start by thoroughly draining and rinsing the chickpeas to get rid of any extra liquid and sodium.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the chickpeas with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, dried dill, and kosher salt. Stir well to make sure the chickpeas are fully coated with the spices.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully introduce the seasoned chickpeas to the skillet. Take care to avoid any splattering oil.
4. Cook the chickpeas for around 5 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking and ensure even heating. The chickpeas should be warmed throughout and slightly crispy on the surface.

**Dairy-Free Sauce Option:**
For anyone seeking a dairy-free sauce to enhance the chickpeas, consider using a tahini sauce. Tahini, which is derived from sesame seeds, offers a creamy and nutty taste that complements the spices in the chickpeas. You can find a straightforward tahini sauce recipe [here](https://www.acouplecooks.com/tahini-sauce/).

**Meal Prep Tips:**
This chickpeas variation is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the chickpeas up to three days ahead and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the chickpeas and pair them with fresh vegetables or your preferred grains for a complete meal.

**Air Fryer Option:**
If you have an air fryer, think about using it to cook the chickpeas instead of pan-searing. The air fryer can deliver an even crispier texture without needing extra oil, making it a healthier cooking choice. Simply preheat the air fryer, add the seasoned chickpeas, and cook until crispy, shaking the basket occasionally for uniform cooking.

This chickpeas variation is not only simple to make but also filled with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent addition to any meal plan. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and the ease of meal prepping with this adaptable dish.

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the vibrant pair who have turned their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the authors of two highly regarded cookbooks and the creative force behind the well-loved website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home cooks since 2010. Their adventure commenced with a straightforward concept: to spread the joy of cooking through easy, seasonal recipes that anyone can appreciate.

Throughout the years, A Couple Cooks has matured into an all-encompassing resource for culinary enthusiasts, presenting thousands of original recipes, valuable cooking tips, and useful meal planning strategies. Every recipe is thoughtfully developed and photographed by Alex and Sonja, guaranteeing their personal touch shines through in each dish. Their culinary masterpieces are not only tested by the couple but also by their children, establishing family-friendly meals as a key component of their offerings.

Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy highlights the significance of utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft nourishing and delightful meals. Their recipes cater to a diverse array of dietary preferences and skill levels, making them approachable for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs. Whether you’re in search of a speedy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for hosting, A Couple Cooks has something for everyone.

Beyond their online platform, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that further demonstrate their culinary knowledge and passion for food. These books stand as a testament to their dedication to helping others explore the pleasures of cooking at home.

As busy parents, Alex and Sonja comprehend the challenges of juggling family life with a passion for cooking. Their website not only offers delectable recipes but also shares practical guidance on meal planning and time management, simplifying the process for families to savor home-cooked meals together.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have fostered a community of like-minded individuals who share their passion for cooking and enjoying good food. Their commitment to producing high-quality content and nurturing a love for food has established them as a reliable source of culinary inspiration.

Whether you are an experienced cook or just beginning your culinary adventure, Alex and Sonja welcome you to join them in the kitchen and discover the joy of cooking with A Couple Cooks.

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic husband-and-wife duo who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the brains behind the well-liked website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home chefs since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and contagious passion for the culinary world.

What started as a personal blog has evolved into an extensive resource for anyone eager to infuse more joy and creativity into their cooking experience. A Couple Cooks features thousands of unique recipes, each one meticulously crafted with care and precision. From hearty breakfasts to sophisticated dinners, Alex and Sonja’s recipes are intended to be approachable and delectable, making them ideal for busy families and beginner cooks alike.

Alongside their vast recipe repertoire, Alex and Sonja share useful cooking tips and meal planning suggestions, aiding their audience in navigating the frequently daunting realm of home cooking. Their content is not just informative but also visually stunning, with each recipe elegantly captured to highlight the vivid colors and textures of fresh ingredients.

As active parents, Alex and Sonja comprehend the difficulties of crafting healthy meals amidst the hectic pace of daily life. Each recipe is rigorously tested on their own children, guaranteeing that every dish is both child-friendly and nutritious. This family-centered philosophy has garnered them a diverse following, who value their practical advice and relatable perspectives.

In addition to their online endeavors, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks, solidifying their role as respected figures in the culinary landscape. Their books provide an in-depth exploration of their cooking ideology, featuring curated compilations of recipes that embody their dedication to simplicity, sustainability, and taste.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, Alex and Sonja Overhiser welcome you to embark on a culinary adventure filled with creativity, flavor, and enjoyment. With A Couple Cooks as your compass, you’ll uncover the pleasures of cooking and the fulfillment of sharing delightful meals with those you cherish.

### Cavatelli and Broccoli: A Quick and Comforting Italian Classic

Cavatelli and Broccoli is a cherished Italian-style pasta creation that merges the lovely textures of cavatelli pasta and crisp-tender broccoli, all drizzled in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. This meal is not only fast to make—taking around 20 minutes—but also comforting and crafted from common ingredients, making it a perfect option for weeknight meals.

#### Flavor Profile

The dish boasts a deep flavor profile where the olive oil envelops the pasta and broccoli, enhanced by the fragrant touch of garlic and a whisper of spice from red pepper flakes. A liberal sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese provides the finishing flourish, ensuring each mouthful is a delightful experience.

#### Ingredient Swaps

One of the wonderful aspects of Cavatelli and Broccoli is its flexibility. If cavatelli isn’t on hand, you can seamlessly replace it with any medium-sized pasta such as shells, rotini, penne, or orecchiette. For cheese, Pecorino Romano can serve as a replacement for Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Furthermore, if fresh broccoli is unavailable, frozen broccoli can be perfectly fine—just remember to thaw and chop it prior to cooking.

#### Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with homemade garlic bread and a fresh Italian-style salad, rounding out a complete and satisfying meal.

### Prep Your Ingredients

To guarantee a seamless cooking experience, here’s what you’ll need to gather:

– **Cavatelli Pasta**: The ridges of cavatelli assist in catching the sauce. If substituting, select a pasta that can adhere to the sauce effectively.
– **Broccoli Florets**: Chop finely for improved integration with the pasta. If opting for frozen, thaw and pat dry to eliminate extra moisture.
– **Olive Oil**: Utilize high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for optimal flavor.
– **Garlic**: Introduce it after the broccoli softens to avoid burning.
– **Red Pepper Flakes**: Modify the quantity according to your heat tolerance.
– **Parmesan**: Freshly grated cheese melts more efficiently, but pre-grated can suffice in a pinch.

### How to Make Cavatelli and Broccoli

1. **Cook the Pasta**: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the cavatelli and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain without rinsing.

2. **Sauté the Broccoli**: In a sizable skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until aromatic.

3. **Combine**: Toss the drained cavatelli into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt to taste and serve right away.

### Tips for Success

– Cut the broccoli into small pieces to ensure it blends seamlessly with the pasta.
– Retain more pasta water than you estimate you’ll need; add it gradually to reach the desired consistency.
– If the pasta seems dry after mixing, add more pasta water initially, then a splash of olive oil if needed.
– For extra protein, think about adding leftover chicken, cooked sausage, or shrimp.

### Storing and Reheating Leftovers

– **Refrigerate**: Let the dish cool before placing it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– **Reheat**: Warm in a skillet with a bit of water or broth, stirring until heated through. Add more Parmesan cheese at the end for enhanced flavor.
– **Freeze**: While not ideal due to the texture change of broccoli after thawing, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

### Conclusion

Cavatelli and Broccoli is a straightforward yet fulfilling dish that brings Italian flavors to your table in no time. With its quick preparation and comforting taste, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner lineup. Relish this scrumptious pasta dish with your preferred sides and enjoy the essence of homemade Italian cuisine.

**French Onion Pasta: A Scrumptious Blend of Tastes**

French Onion Pasta is an enticing dish that merges the deep, savory tastes of French onion soup with the soothing consistency of creamy pasta. This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate a fulfilling meal infused with a hint of sophistication. With a total cooking duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this dish feeds six and is guaranteed to delight your family and friends.

**Ingredients:**

– 4 tablespoons butter
– 4 large onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon (smoked) paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
– 3 cups beef broth
– 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free) (optional)
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
– 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
– 1 cup Gruyere cheese (or Swiss), shredded (optional)

**Directions:**

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the onions, and cook until they are caramelized, for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. When the bottom of the skillet begins to collect brown bits, pour in 1/4 cup of water and deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits, continuing to cook.

2. In a separate pan heated over medium heat, add the oil, then the chicken seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 8-10 minutes before removing from the heat.

3. Incorporate the mushrooms into the pan previously used for the chicken, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes before setting aside.

4. Once the onions are ready, add the garlic and thyme, and sauté until aromatic, around a minute.

5. Stir in the broth, chicken, mushrooms, pasta, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, combine well, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Mix in the cream and Parmesan until it fully blends into the sauce.

7. Sprinkle the Gruyere on top, allow it to melt, and enjoy!

**Options:**

– Cook the pasta separately, decreasing the broth from 3 cups to 1 cup, and incorporate the cooked and drained pasta after simmering the sauce in step 5.
– Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar simultaneously with the broth.
– To melt the Gruyere, cover and cook on the stovetop for a few minutes or transfer to the oven and broil for one minute.

**Nutrition Facts:**

– Calories: 532
– Fat: 31g (Saturated 15g, Trans 0.2g)
– Cholesterol: 137mg
– Sodium: 786mg
– Carbohydrates: 43g (Fiber 3g, Sugars 8g)
– Protein: 33g

This French Onion Pasta is a rich, tasty dish that unites the finest elements of French onion soup and pasta. Relish this comforting dish with your dear ones!