Pasta And Potatoes (Pasta E Patate)

• 4 slices chopped bacon
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2 lbs boiling potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups water
• 12 ounces ditalini or 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. Chop the bacon, carrot, celery, onion, and parsley together.
2. Pour the oil into a large pan, add the chopped mixture and cook over medium low heat until the vegetables are tender and golden.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the potatoes and water, bring to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon.
6. Add the pasta and boiling water.
7. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
8. The mixture should remain quite thick, but add more water if it seems too thick.
9. Stir in the cheese and serve.

bacon, carrot, celery, onion, clove garlic, parsley, olive oil, tomato paste, boiling potatoes, water, macaroni, boiling water, freshly grated parmesan cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pasta-and-potatoes-pasta-e-patate-59906 (may not work)