I am kand of in the same boat as you it sounds like. After years of no or little cycling, I am getting back into it. I got the old Bianchi built up. Went with 700x28 Specialized Armadillo tires hoping to soften the ride. the ride is fine, my body is what needs firming up.
As for a cushy ride, I had a Vitus for awhile when I was riding. It soaked up about everything with the small aluminum tubes. A little spooky on the down hills. I recently rode it at 180 lbs, but use to hammer the mountains around Glenwood Springs Colorado back in the day when I was about 160.
i have a Cannondale mtn bike with 2.0 Kenda slicks. Pretty decent ride. I had tried some narrow Specialized slicks, but they were too rough for me. Worked fine a few pounds ago.

I feel like I am totally addicted again, just need to get the old bod back in shape. Did a metric century this past weekend and I was a feeling it. Woo hoo!!