Broccoli Spaghetti

I got this from an Italian co-worker after having it at a work pot-luck. The flavor is really intense, and this can be served as either a side-dish or a meatless meal-in-itself. You can really use any type of pasta you prefer, I first had it with spaghetti, so that's always my preference. Really easy recipe. Edited: Psst.. please use real garlic, not the chopped stuff in the jar.. I repeat - use FRESH GARLIC, not the stuff in the jar, else you will be doomed to a bland result with no flavor. If made as directed, you will have a robustly flavorful pasta dish!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-8

Ingredients

• 1  bunch fresh broccoli
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper (I like more!)
• 1  cup water
•  salt, to taste
• 8  ounces spaghetti, cooked
• 4  ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Directions

1. Chop the broccoli fine and add it to a sauce pan.
2. Add garlic, olive oil, pepper and the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
4. Break up the broccoli as it cooks so that the end result is a mushy, slightly chunky green sauce.
5. You may need to add more water or oil to keep it at a 'wet', pourable consistency if the liquid evaporates too quickly. You basically want it to be the thickness of a tomato pasta sauce. Add salt to taste; I only add the salt at the end, because if you do so earlier on, the saltiness may become more intense when the mixture reduces.
6. Serve over cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with parm if desired.