Heat a pot of water and cook pasta according to the package directions.
Cook the broccoli
Pour 1/3 cup of olive oil into a large frying pan or wok. Then add 3 cloves of minced garlic and turn on the heat to the lowest setting and allow the garlic to warm in the oil.
While the garlic and oil are warming, wash and chop broccoli into bite-size pieces.
Add the chopped broccoli to the oil and stir well. (You can add vegan chicken strips, mushrooms, or other veggies of choice at this time as well.)
Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of water and 1/4 tsp of salt. Stir well and cover with a lid. (The water helps to keep the garlic from burning and provides steam in your pot to cook the broccoli.)
Cook covered over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, taking the lid off and stirring once every minute, until broccoli is bright green and tender.
Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the broccoli while it's still a little wet, and give the whole thing a good stir. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and some parsley if desired. (If adding spinach do so with the pasta at the end of cooking.)
Be sure to just warm the garlic in the oil in the beginning - the garlic will burn easily at higher heat.
Be sure to add the water and cover the broccoli for about 3 minutes to allow the steam to cook it evenly.
If adding fresh spinach to the dish, do so at the end of cooking along with the pasta, and put the lid back on for about 1-2 minutes to allow the steam to wilt the spinach but not overcook it.
If you are using frozen chicken strips, you can add them frozen, but you will need to cook them for about 5 -7 minutes before adding the broccoli.