Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, keep ½ cup of pasta water aside. This will be used to loosen the sauce later.
Sauté the Onion: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Make the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato puree and tomato paste (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Make the Sauce Creamy: Add the ½ cup of fresh cream, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. The pasta water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta, making it glossy and flavorful.
Serve: Serve the pasta with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
