1. Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Broccoli: In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain both the pasta and broccoli together when done and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!

4. Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.

5. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss gently to combine and heat through.

6. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Season: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness.

8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

By following these simple steps, you’ll create a fantastic bowl of Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta that is visually appetizing and bursting with flavor!