For Meatballs:

• 1 lb 90 to 93% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup (1.2 oz) panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup (1 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 6 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper, plus more for soup
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

For Soup:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (2 medium)
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced celery (2 medium ribs)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth (5 1/4 cups), plus more to thin if desired
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (4.5 oz) dry ditalini pasta
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil