Pasta E Fagioli

"The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again."

~George Miller

Pasta E Fagioli

1 1/2 cup small shell or ditalani pasta

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1/4 lb finely chopped salt pork or bacon

1 large onion finely chopped

1 Tablespoon minced parsley

1 Cup celery finely diced

1 cup prepared spaghetti sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 quart water

1 can EITHER white cannellini or dark red kidney beans, undrained

Grated Italian cheese for topping

Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan. Add salt pork/bacon and braise for a few minutes. Add onions, celery and garlic; brown well. Add sauce, salt and pepper; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add warm water and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in macaroni and boil uncovered until macaroni is cooked. Stir frequently to keep prevent macaroni from sticking. Serve piping hot topped with a good quality grated Italian cheese.