Classic Venison Bolognese with Pappardelle

Name: Classic Venison Bolognese with Pappardelle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ oz. dried mushrooms; 1 cup hot water; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 4 oz. chopped pancetta or bacon; 1 cup finely chopped onion; ½ cup finely chopped carrot; 2 teaspoons chopped garlic; 2 Tablespoons tomato paste; 1 lb. ground venison (or beef or veal); 1 cup dry white wine; pinch red pepper flakes; ¼-½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 dried bay leaf; 2 cups high quality marinara sauce (16 oz.); ⅓ cup heavy or whipping cream (or half & half); salt to taste; 12-16 oz. pappardelle pasta, or other wide pasta of your choice; grated or shredded Parmesan cheese for serving