Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with some salt. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.
Spread the florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each floret until it flattens to about 1/2 inch thick.
Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then, top with the grated Parmesan cheese (and red pepper flakes, if using). Bake.