LEMONY PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, CHICKPEAS, AND ARUGULA

Lemony Pasta with Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Arugula image

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup drained capers, patted dry
1 small or 1/2 large head of cauliflower (about 1 pound), cut into small florets
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, patted dry
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, divided
8 ounces casarecce, gemelli, or other medium pasta
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 cups baby arugula

Steps:

Heat 4 Tbsp. oil in a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high. Add capers and cook, swirling pan occasionally, until they burst and are crisp, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer capers to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Reserve oil in skillet.
Cook cauliflower in same skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add garlic, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Cover and cook until cauliflower begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Uncover and increase heat to high. Add chickpeas, 2 Tbsp. butter, and remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower and chickpeas are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Remove skillet from heat and add lemon juice, 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid, and remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Add pasta, tossing and adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until coated.
Divide arugula and pasta among bowls, stirring to combine. Top with reserved crispy capers.