Pasta E Fagioli With Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 cup of small white beans
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 11/2 cups of onion (coarsely chopped)
• 3 slices of lean bacon (finely chopped)
• 1/3 cup of celery (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of carrots (grated)
• 1 tablespoon of crushed or chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 pound of fresh Italian sausage (removed from the casings)
• 1 cup of fresh, ripe tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon of sage
• 7 cups of chicken broth
• 11/2 cups pasta (small shells are recommended here)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Parmesan or Romano cheese (grated)