It’s been a long time since my parents were impressed with a meatball recipe, but they were big fans of De Laurentiis’ version.

The meatballs were juicy, moist and tender (the perfect texture) and packed with tons of flavor. Both cheeses worked great as fillings and each family member had a different favorite. I would love to make them again with smoked mozzarella, but you can try it with many different cheeses.

I thought the De Laurentiis bucatini noodles were well made and tasted delicious, but I wish the sauce had more punch. I had added an extra two ounces of pancetta, which we realized made the sauce a little too salty. Next time I would also thicken the sauce and add a little red wine or cream for more flavor. Bucatini is the perfect vehicle to accompany a thick red sauce, and I just wanted more of All’Amatriciana.

But De Laurentiis’ meatballs really blew my family away. I know we will do them again and again.