broccoli and pasta

This is a dish of Andy's mother. He tried to describe it for many years but I could never get it right. My last visit with her I asked her to make it as I watched.

I made this in a large sauce pan on the stove.
You don't drain the pasta--the water is totally absorbed.

Saute in olive oil:
One onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced or a teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 pound (1/2 box) acini di pepe #20
Add to pan and brown slightly.

Add 1 quart water and bring to boil

Add one head of broccoli chopped pretty small, stems and head both
Don't stir yet--put lid on and let pasta cook while steaming the broccoli

After about 5 minutes stir, you may need to add more water to prevent scorching

Put lid on again--the broccoli needs to get pretty soft but not soggy
Cook until done.
Stir often, add water if needed.

Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan  cheese--use shaved if you can get it
Salt and pepper as needed