Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Sausage Meatballs

Name: Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Sausage Meatballs
Ingredients: For the meatballs; 20 ounces sweet fennel Italian sausage, casings removed if not bulk; 1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs; 1 cup zucchini which has been grated on the large holes of a box grater (include peel); 1 egg; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the soup; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, grated on the large holes of a box grater; 4 cups grated zucchini ( again use the large holes of a box grater); 2 cloves grated garlic (I use a microplane); 1 teaspoon salt; 28 ounces canned San Marzano tomatoes; 2 tablespoons basil pesto; 8 cups chicken broth; The reserved meatballs; 2 cups small shell dry pasta; Grated parmesan for serving (optional)