Lentil Soup with Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 oz. chopped pancetta or bacon
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh sage
• 2 cups lentils
• 1 cup canned whole plum tomatoes, chopped,
• with juice
• 6 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
• 1 Tbs. salt, plus more, to taste
• 1/4 lb. tubettini, ditalini or other small soup
• pasta
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste