1. Cook the Broccoli:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes, until tender.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli, keeping the water boiling for the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the cooked broccoli and 1 cup of the reserved cooking water to the skillet.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, then mash the broccoli with a fork or blend briefly with an immersion blender for a smooth sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes for al dente texture.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Reserve 1 additional cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the skillet with the broccoli sauce.
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!