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 five 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.