This easy pasta dish calls for rigatoni, a grooved tube-shaped pasta, but you can use penne if you have that on hand.

Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (tender), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.

While the pasta is cooking, in a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the broccoli, cover and steam until tender, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss with Parmesan cheese, olive oil and garlic. Season with pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

• 1/3 pound whole-wheat rigatoni
• 2 cups broccoli florets (tops)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste