In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (2 tsp), egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Pasta & Sauce

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic (3 tsp) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.

Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine. Stir in the chopped basil.

Serve with Cheese

Transfer the meatball pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and serve immediately.