Broccoli Pasta in a Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 ounces pasta (Fusili works best!)
• 1/2 cup broccoli floret
• 2-2 1/2 cups water

FOR THE SAUCE

• 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add pasta and cook for about 5-8 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in broccoli and cook 5-8 minutes more, or until pasta is al dente.

4. 4

   Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the water.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a medium saucepan and saute the chopped onion until translucent.

6. 6

   Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the pasta-broccoli water.

7. 7

   Cover the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Uncover, increase the flame to high, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the most of the water has evaporated.

9. 9

   Remove from heat and season with basil, parsley and oregano.

10. 10

    Stir in the cooked pasta-broccoli mixture and mix well to coat.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve hot!