Penne a La Broccoli

Like Grandma used to make. From Dr. Weil. This is one of the fastest and easiest main dishes to make. It's full of flavor and quick - it also has the cancer-fighting protection of broccoli.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 16  ounces penne or 16  ounces  other hearty pasta, uncooked
• 1  large  bunch broccoli
• 1  tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil
• 3  garlic cloves (chopped or mashed)
• 1⁄2 cup water
•  salt
•  red pepper flakes (optional)
•  grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling water until al dente.
2. Trim the ends of the broccoli stems and cut off the flowers. Peel the outer fibrous layer off the main stalks and cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces.
3. Separate the flower of the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
4. Place the broccoli in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Put it in a saucepan with the olive oil, garlic, water and salt. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, and let steam until the broccoli is bright green and very crunchy-tender - no more than 5 minutes. Remove the lid and boil off most of the remaining liquid.
5. Toss the broccoli with cooked pasta. Top with red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, if desired.