Hot and Zesty Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, cooked or raw) (can substitute with chicken breasts)
• 2 pounds (2 heads) broccoli
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
• 8 ounces whole grain penne pasta
• 1 red pepper, rinsed and cut into 1/4-inch strips (1 cup)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Clean and cut broccoli into small bite sized pieces.
2. Steam in water until just fork tender, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, according to package instructions.
4. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Return to pot.
5. Sauté red pepper strips, garlic and shrimp in olive oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper and crushed red pepper.
7. Toss in broccoli.
8. Pour mixture over pasta.

Add some reserved cooking water, if needed. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve warm.