Spinach Artichoke Dip with Fried Bowtie Pasta

• Vegetarian

• Produce

  • 1 (14-oz can Artichoke hearts
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 (10-oz boxes Spinach, frozen
  • 3/4 cup White onion

• Refrigerated

  • 3 Eggs, large

• Condiments

  • 2 tsp Hot sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice

• Pasta & Grains

  • 8 oz Bowtie pasta

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 Canola or vegetable oil

• Bread & Baked Goods

  • 1 1/4 cups Breadcrumbs, seasoned

• Dairy

  • 8 tbsp Butter, unsalted
  • 8 oz Cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Sour cream

Found on spicedblog.com

Description

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1¼ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• canola or vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 (10-oz) boxes frozen spinach
• 8 Tbsp (4 oz.) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup white onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp hot sauce
• ½ Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and diced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, shredded

Directions

• Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 7 minutes. (Note: This is less than the recommended directions on the package!)
• Drain pasta and allow it to cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the seasoned breadcrumbs in another small bowl.
• Using a deep fryer or a large frying pan, heat the oil to 375°F. (An easy way to check the temperature is to drop a pinch of flour in the oil. If it immediately bubbles up and turns brown, then the oil is ready.)
• Dip each piece of pasta in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs. (Tip: I usually coat all of the pasta and put them on a plate. Then I fry the pasta in 3-4 rounds total.)
• Place the pasta in the hot oil and fry until deep golden brown in color (~3-4 minutes).
• Cook the spinach according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, press the spinach into a colander to drain out as much water as possible. Set spinach aside.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Using a large frying pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
• Add hot sauce, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, diced artichokes, salt, paprika and drained spinach. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until mixture begins to simmer (~5 minutes).
• Transfer dip into an oven-proof dish (or dishes). Sprinkle top with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. Place dip in 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and slightly browned on top. Serve hot.