Let’s cook this light and flavorful pasta:

1. Cook the Broccoli & Reserve Water:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add the trimmed broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender but still bright green.
• Using a slotted spoon or strainer, transfer the cooked broccoli to a bowl. Crucially, reserve about ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water before draining the rest (or keeping the water to cook the pasta).

2. Prepare the Broccoli Mash/Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet along with the reserved ½ cup of broccoli cooking water. Season with salt and black pepper.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing the broccoli with the back of a spoon or a potato masher as it cooks. Continue until the broccoli becomes very soft and forms a rustic, textured sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• While the broccoli mash simmers, bring the large pot of water (either the remaining broccoli water or fresh salted water) back to a boil if necessary.
• Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
• Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.

4. Combine Pasta, Broccoli Mash, and Cheese:

• Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet containing the broccoli mash.
• Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
• Stir everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the broccoli sauce and the Parmesan is melted and incorporated.

5. Adjust Consistency and Season:

• Check the consistency. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sauciness.
• Taste the pasta dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

6. Serve:

• Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

A simple, healthy, and flavorful pasta dish ready quickly!