Simple Broccoli & Pasta

I made this recipe last night as an attempt to recreate a dish my husband's grandma made him when he was little. She was 100% Italian and an incredible cook, but this dish was just so simple. It's not very strongly flavored, so if you want more spice, salt and pepper it or add red pepper flakes.

1/2 pound short cut pasta, any shape
2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets (or you could substitute 1 pound of asparagus tips)
4 Tbs. olive oil (or 2 Tbs. olive oil and 2 Tbs. butter)
3-4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. About half way through the cooking time, throw broccoli in with the pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic until softened and slightly browned. When pasta and broccoli are done, toss in the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. To serve, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and black pepper.

This tastes good hot, room temperature, or even chilled as a pasta salad.