Linguini & Broccoli

This simple pasta dish never fails to satisfy even the hungriest dinner guests. It's an old stand-by in my mom's kitchen... but she finds many family members requesting it when they visit! Feel free to mix in some of your favorite additions; I've been known to add chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives and/or artichoke hearts.

Ingredients
1 stick butter or margarine
1 head broccoli
1-8 oz. pkg. fresh linguini
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2-3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Directions
Cut broccoli into manageable florets and microwave, covered, in 1/2 cup water for 10 minutes. Melt 1/3 stick of margarine or butter and olive oil in a non-stick frying pan. Remove from heat. Drain the broccoli. Add the garlic and broccoli to the pan so that the broccoli absorbs the taste. (You may add-in other sundries at this point). Cook the linguini in a separate pot. Add linguini and remaining margarine or butter to the pan. Coat the linguini and broccoli, add parmesan cheese and ground pepper. Serves 4.