Herbed Chicken with Whole Grain Penne

Olive oil spray

4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes

3 cups uncooked whole grain penne pasta

3 cups chicken broth

¾ cup dry white wine

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

2 chicken breasts

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon lemon pepper

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1¼ cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, divided

¼ cup grated low-fat parmesan cheese

Spray microwave-safe covered dish with olive oil. Add chopped garlic and tomatoes. Cover and microwave on HIGH 4 to 5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after 2 minutes. Crush tomatoes. Add pasta, broth, wine, salt and black pepper.

Return dish to microwave; cover and microwave on HIGH 16-18 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. Coarsely chop basil set aside and reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.

In the meantime: Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, lemon pepper Italian seasoning. Grill (either outside or in a stovetop grill pan) until no longer pink. Allow to cool slightly, then dice.

Carefully remove baker from microwave and remove lid, lifting away from you. Stir in remaining basil, cheese and chicken. Garnish with reserved, additional parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.

Serves eight.

Adapted from The Pampered Chef