Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Meanwhile, break the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil until very tender, about 8-10 minutes.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Pour the creamy cauliflower mixture into a greased baking dish. Using a fork or spatula, gently swirl the top.
Once the chickpeas are roasted to crisp perfection, lightly crush them with a spoon or fork to form a crumbly texture. Sprinkle these crispy chickpea crumbs evenly over the cauliflower mixture.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the top to firm up slightly.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm as a delightful, healthy twist on baked mac.