Pasta with Mashed Broccoli

This recipe is from one found in Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Vegetarian.  In the original recipe you may use Broccoli Rabe, Broccoli or Cauliflower in this recipe.  I opted for broccoli proper.  I also use two different types of pasta as that is what I had on hand.  This recipe was a complete hit with the family.  My oldest who is quite possibly the pickiest eater EVER, loved this pasta.  He even had two helpings. 

1 pound broccoli, cleaned and cut in small chunks
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound tube shaped pasta

1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large stock pot and add the broccoli.  Boil for 5-10 minutes until very tender. 
2. While the broccoli cooks, warm the oil in a large skillet and cook the garlic over a low heat.  Using a slotted spoon remove the broccoli from the stock pot and add it to the skillet.  Do not remove the stock pot of boiling water from the stove.  Instead use that boiling water to cook your pasta.  Cook pasta for 9 minutes. 
3. While the pasta cooks and keeping the skillet over a low heat, mash the broccoli until well incorporated with the garlic and oil.  Add some of the pasta/broccoli water as need to ensure the sauce is not too thick
4. When done, add the pasta to the broccoli sauce.  You may not need the entire pound of pasta.  Mix what you do need with the sauce until the pasta is completely covered with sauce.
5. Serve warm and enjoy