Preheat your oven to 425° F. On a baking sheet, combine the cauliflower, 1/4 cup olive oil, paprika, chili flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cauliflower. You want each piece to be thoroughly covered in the oil and spices. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender. During the last 10 minutes, add 2 cloves garlic and the lemon zest. The garlic will soften and infuse the cauliflower with a delightful aroma as it roasts.
Meanwhile, while the cauliflower is in the oven, let’s make the pesto. In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, arugula or spinach, the jalapeño if using, 1-2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, nuts, parmesan, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with a bit of salt to taste. Pulse until you achieve a smooth sauce, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to thin out the consistency. The goal is a vibrant green pesto that you can smell before you even taste it!
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is liquid gold and helps to bind everything together later. Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot.
To the drained pasta, add the prepared pesto and coconut milk, tossing everything to combine well. This is where the magic happens; the warm pasta will coat itself in that luscious pesto sauce. If it seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Now it's time to serve! Divide the pasta among bowls, then accompany each serving with a generous side of the crispy cauliflower. You can top everything with fresh herbs and greens for a beautiful presentation. Grab a fork and enjoy the delightful crunch of the cauliflower alongside the creamy pasta, and don't forget to savor each bite!
