Grilled Chicken Penne Al Fresco

Ann Cecile's Note:

In the Pampered Chef catalog - Spring/Summer 2009 - I am a PC junky! I have two friends who are consultants and I love PC stuff. I can't wait to make this - as soon as my busy schedule will allow!

• Total Time: 43 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 23 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 4 garlic cloves , peeled
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups penne , uncooked
• ¾ cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1 ¼ cups basil leaves , lightly packed, divided
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese , grated (about 1/4 cup packed)
• 2 cups chicken breasts , grilled and diced

Directions:

1. Spray deep microwaveable baker with olive oil. Slice garlic into baker. Add tomatoes. Cover; microwave on high 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after 2 minutes. Crush tomatoes with a spoon or spatula. Add pasta, broth,wine, salt and black pepper.
2. Return baker to microwave; cover and microwave on high 16-18 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop basil. Reserve 2 tbsp for garnish. Grate cheese.
3. Garefully remove baker from microwave and remove lid, lifting away from you. Add remaining basil, cheese and chicken to baker; mix well. Garnish with reserved 2 tbsp basil, additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired.