• Recipes
  • Help Center
  • FAQ
  • Open Web App
  • Download Free
Recipe Notes LogoRecipe Notes
  • Recipes
  • Help Center
  • FAQ
Open Web AppDownload Free

Product

Best Free Recipe AppFree Cookbook AppOrganize Family RecipesImport from InstagramImport from TikTokImport from PinterestImport from Facebook

Support

Help CenterFAQPlans & PricingWhat's NewContact Support

Company

About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsSubnote

© 2026 Recipe Notes. All rights reserved.

  • Recipes
  • Help Center
  • FAQ
  • Open Web App
  • Download Free
Recipe Notes LogoRecipe Notes
  • Recipes
  • Help Center
  • FAQ
Open Web AppDownload Free

Lemony Pasta with Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Arugula

A bright and satisfying pasta dish featuring crispy capers, roasted cauliflower, and protein-rich chickpeas tossed with fresh arugula and a lemony butter sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired meal combines tender pasta with vegetables and legumes for a complete dinner.

4 servings
30 min
Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

  • •6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • •¼ cup drained capers, patted dry
  • •1 pound cauliflower
  • •2 cloves garlic
  • •1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • •½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • •1 can chickpeas
  • •¼ cup cold unsalted butter
  • •8 ounces casarecce, gemelli, or other medium pasta
  • •3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • •6 cups baby arugula

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    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.

    3 min

  2. 2.

    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.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    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.

    3 min

  5. 5.

    Divide arugula and pasta among bowls, stirring to combine. Top with reserved crispy capers.

    2 min

Explore More Recipes

Browse our full recipe collection — comfort classics, 30-minute meals, international flavors, and seasonal favorites.

Browse All RecipesAbout Recipe Notes

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to save and manage your recipes

Product

Best Free Recipe AppFree Cookbook AppOrganize Family RecipesImport from InstagramImport from TikTokImport from PinterestImport from Facebook

Support

Help CenterFAQPlans & PricingWhat's NewContact Support

Company

About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsSubnote

© 2026 Recipe Notes. All rights reserved.

You Might Also Like

Golden Potato Cake

Golden Potato Cake

Boozy Concord-Grape Ice Pops

Boozy Concord-Grape Ice Pops

Crazy Sesame Breadsticks

Crazy Sesame Breadsticks

Air Fryer Crispy Herbed Chickpeas

Air Fryer Crispy Herbed Chickpeas

Air Fryer Memphis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs

Air Fryer Memphis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs

Black Apple Old-Fashioned

Black Apple Old-Fashioned