SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP MAC AND CHEESE

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups milk
One 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
One 9-ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and drained
1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella (about 7 ounces)
1 pound elbow pasta
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and stir until absorbed. Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Add the spinach and artichoke hearts and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella and remove from the heat. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 3- to 4- quart baking dish.
Toss the panko with the oil and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the panko is golden, about 40 minutes.
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