Spinach & Artichoke Baked Pasta

I love a good spinach & artichoke dip! This pasta dish is a close second. Originally found on the WD recipe finder, it's a quick easy dish to make.

Ingredients

12 ounce(s) short pasta, such as orecchiette or mezzi rigatoni
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and pepper
4 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
3/4 cup(s) lowfat sour cream
4 ounce(s) lowfat cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan (2 oz)
2 teaspoon(s) lemon zest
1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
1 package(s) (10 oz) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
1 can(s) (13.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, rinsed, squeezed of excess moisture and chopped
4 ounce(s) mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Heat broiler. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest and lemon juice; stir in the onion mixture.
Add the pasta to the bowl and toss to coat. Stir in the spinach, artichokes and 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid (adding more liquid if the pasta seems dry). Fold in 1/2 cup mozzarella.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a broiler-proof 2 1/2- to 3-qt casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and broil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.


Make it ahead: Line the casserole dish with foil, leaving a 3-in. overhang on two sides. Fill the dish with the prepared pasta mixture and freeze until just firm, about 20 minutes. Using the overhangs, lift the pasta out of the dish in one piece. Wrap in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve: Let thaw in the refrigerator, remove the foil and plastic, and transfer the pasta to a broiler-proof casserole dish. Reheat, covered, in a 375°F oven, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella and broil as directed.