Recipe: Orecchiette with Garlic, Broccoli and Olive Oil

I have been traveling and working so much lately which is why it has been a little while since my last post.  I am now back home in New York and have just started getting back into the groove of things.  While I was traveling, one of the things I really missed was cooking and since I have been back I have really gotten back into it and have been experimenting with tons of new recipes!
I made this recipe tonight, it is simple, quick, vegetarian and so delicious!  You can even make this dish vegan just by omitting the cheese and it would still be fantastic!
INGREDIENTS **all organic

• 8 oz uncooked whole wheat orecchiette pasta
• 3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus extra to drizzle at the end)
• 1 shallot diced
• 2 cloves of garlic diced
• 2 medium heads of broccoli sliced into thin florets
• Salt, pepper and red paper flakes to taste
• Parmesan cheese

RECIPE

• Bring approx. 10 cups of water to a boil (Before you add the pasta sprinkle the boiling water with salt
• Add the uncooked pasta, bring back to a boil and cook approx. 10 minutes (or about a minute less than the instructions on the package)
• While the pasta is cooking, in a large saute pan heat the 3 TBSP of EVOO over medium heat.
• Add the diced shallots and garlic to the pan and saute for a minute or so and then add the broccoli.  (You can also add some sliced mushrooms when you add the broccoli for a more meaty flavor and texture)
• Add salt, pepper & red pepper flakes to taste and saute over medium heat until broccoli is tender (approx. 10 minutes)
• Add the pasta to the saute pan and toss to coat.  The pasta will finish cooking in the saute pan (about another minute)
• Once all ingredients are mixed and pasta is cooked turn off the heat, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve!

So, that's it...it is actually that easy!  Like I said,  I made this a vegetarian dish, but as stated above you can also omit the cheese to make it vegan and of course you can always add grilled chicken or Italian sausage.  This dish is hearty enough to serve as a meal with some crusty bread and also light enough to serve as a summer side dish.
I hope you like it is as much as me and my family did...let me know what you think!