Risoni Mozzarella Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (500 g)
• 1/2 medium brown onion (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs (66 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese (cut into 16 small cubes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes or passata (240 ml)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (590 ml)
• 200 g risoni (orzo) (1 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g, plus more for serving)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (7 g, plus extra for garnish)