I was inspired to make this recipe after reading the description of a different recipe that said “so much arugula is practically a salad.” You can use spring mix or baby spinach here too but I really like how the arugula wilts down a little when toss
1.
BRING A LARGE POT OF WATER TO A BOIL
2.
CAPERS
Heat 4 Tablespoons of the oil in a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high. Add the capers and cook, swirling the pan occasionally until they burst open and are crispy, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the capers to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Reserve oil in skillet.
3.
CAULIFLOWER
Slice cauliflower into florets. Then dice up the core and most of the leaves too - only remove the leaves that are yellowed or with holes, and slice off the bottom most ¼” of the core. The rest is great to cook!
Add the cauliflower to the same skillet over medium-high heat, and stirring often, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
4.
GARLIC
Mince the garlic while cauliflower is cooking. Then reduce the heat to low and add garlic, the salt, and the black pepper, to taste. Cover and cook until cauliflower begins to soften throughout, about 4 minutes long.
5.
GARBANZOS
Uncover and increase heat to high. Drain the beans and add them. Add 2 Tablespoons butter, and remaining 2 Tablespoon oil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower and garbanzos are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
6.
PASTA
Meanwhile, cook pasta in the water, with a tablespoon or so of salt. Stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
7.
FINISH
Remove the pan with the cauliflower from the heat. Zest and lemon and set aside. Add lemon juice, ½ cup pasta cooking liquid, and remaining 2 Tablespoon butter. Add the drained pasta, tossing and adding a little more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until nicely coated.
8.
SERVING
If serving right now, toss the hot pasta/cauliflower combo with the arugula then divide among bowls, stirring to combine. Top with reserved crispy capers and heaps of parmesan cheese and zest.
If serving anytime after 5 minutes from now, keep the arugula separate. This includes if you expect to have leftovers. You can toss with arugula once the pasta and sauce have cooled to about room temperature, that will be enough to slightly wilt but not brown the fresh greens.
