The caramelized onions combined with the capers, green olives and pine nuts make this a savory dish. The longer the onions are cooked, the better they taste, so start them early.
Heat large skillet to low to medium heat. Add oil or vegetable broth and then the onions. Let them cook, stirring just a couple of times until they are golden brown in color. Too much stirring slows down the caramelization process and browning. Add garlic the last 5 minutes after onion is brown and starting to caramelize. Add green olives and capers to the onions. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano or marjoram, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add a little water or broth if mixture is too dry. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. In a separate 6 quart pot, prepare penne pasta according to al dente instructions. Five minutes before pasta is cooked, add broccoli. Cook broccoli with pasta for five minutes. Before draining pasta, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain. Mix pasta and broccoli with the caramelized onions. Add pasta water, one tablespoon at a time until sauce consistency is as desired. Serve into warm bowls or plates. Sprinkle parsley or basil on top for garnish with pine nuts.
A tablespoon of fresh herbs equal about 1 teaspoon of dried.