Creamy Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta A Weeknight Winner

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 2.8 liters (12 cups) water
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 500g / 1.1 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 60ml (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian/vegan alternative)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp reserved pasta water (more if needed)