Fettuccine & Pesto Bolognese

Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Halve the tomatoes. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic.

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the beef and sliced carrots; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the halved tomatoes, chopped garlic, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened and the beef is cooked through. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the bolognese, pesto, cream, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until combined and the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Stir in the mascarpone until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the parmesan. Enjoy!