Preheat oven to 400 F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make the meatballs by mixing all ingredients under the meatballs heading together in a large bowl. Using wet hands, roll meat mixture into balls and add to baking sheet. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery and carrot, sauteeing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, sauteeing another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta and parmesan rind, bringing to a boil and then simmering for 20 minutes. Add meatballs in within the last 5 minutes of cooking time, then remove parmesan rind and ladle into bowls.
Serve with parmesan cheese and basil overtop and enjoy!
