Oven-Baked Cowboy Butter Pasta

What makes it special

This dish is a “dump-and-bake” pasta where dry pasta cooks right in the oven with broth and cowboy butter—no boiling needed. The result is a rich, garlicky, buttery, slightly spicy pasta packed with flavor and minimal cleanup

Ingredients

300–350 g dry pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
4 tbsp butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

These ingredients reflect the classic cowboy butter flavor: butter + garlic + herbs + spice + lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat

Set oven to 190°C (375°F)

2. Make cowboy butter mixture

In a bowl, mix:

Melted butter
Garlic
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Paprika
Chili flakes
Salt & pepper

3. Assemble

In a baking dish:

Add dry pasta
Pour in broth
Add cowboy butter mixture
Stir well to combine

4. Bake

Cover tightly with foil
Bake for 30–35 minutes
Stir once halfway

The pasta absorbs the broth and butter while cooking, becoming rich and creamy

5. Add cheese & finish

Remove foil
Stir in Parmesan
Add mozzarella on top (optional)
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden

6. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley
Add extra lemon juice if you like it zesty

Optional Add-Ins

You can upgrade it easily:

Cooked chicken or shrimp
Ground beef or steak slices
Mushrooms, spinach, or peppers

(Cowboy butter pairs well with meats and veggies because of its bold flavor profile )

Tips for Best Results

Use enough liquid → pasta must stay submerged
Don’t skip covering → prevents drying
Stir once → ensures even cooking
Add cream at the end if you want it extra rich

Flavor Profile

Buttery & garlicky
Slightly spicy
Fresh from lemon & herbs
Comfort-food style, like a creamy baked pasta