Let it sit for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly, then serve straight from the casserole dish with a big spoon, scooping up plenty of buttery sauce and herbs with each portion.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters, you can cut the garlic in half or leave out the black pepper so it’s milder, then let adults add extra seasoning at the table. If your family likes cheese, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy cowboy butter pasta. To add a bit of heat, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the butter mixture. For extra protein, stir in cooked, diced chicken, sliced smoked sausage, or browned ground beef during the final toss before serving. You can also add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives at
