Silky Smoked Paprika & Cream Pasta #cheesepasta #pasta #cooking

🍝 Creamy Tomato & Smoked Paprika Penne
The only pasta recipe you need right now 🤌🏼 Ready in 15 minutes, this creamy, smoky, and perfectly aesthetic pasta will upgrade your dinner routine.

🛒 INGREDIENTS:

Penne pasta: 150 g | 5.3 oz

Onion: 1 medium

Garlic: 2 cloves

Butter: 25 g | 0.9 oz (approx. 2 tbsp)

Tomato paste: 1 tbsp (tablespoon)

Sugar: 1 tsp (teaspoon)

Salt: To taste

Italian herbs: 1 tsp

Smoked paprika: 1 tsp

Cream (20% fat or higher / Heavy cream): 250 ml | 1 cup (or 8.5 fl oz)

Pasta water (reserved from boiling): 250 ml | 1 cup (or 8.5 fl oz)

Cheese: 50 g | 1.8 oz (approx. 1/2 cup grated)

Fresh parsley: 1-2 sprigs

👩🏼‍🍳 METHOD:

1. Cook the pasta
Boil the penne in generously salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve 250 ml (1 cup) of the starchy pasta water — this is the secret to a perfectly glossy sauce!

2. Build the base
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Create the sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it well with the onion and garlic. Lower the heat, gently pour in the heavy cream, and stir until smooth and combined.

4. Season to perfection
Pour in the reserved pasta water. Now add the salt, sugar, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika. Stir everything thoroughly until the sauce becomes rich and silky.

5. Combine and serve
Add the cooked penne directly into the warm sauce, tossing gently so every piece is coated. Finally, sprinkle in the grated cheese and fresh parsley. Let it melt together for just 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Serve immediately! 🍷