Boyfriend's parents are coming over and I have no idea what to make!

I'd love to know what you ended up serving. My go-to is roast chicken ala Ina. My Jeffrey says it's the simplest & most elegant & most delicious dish dish I prepare. I always have one waiting when he's been traveling.

Okay Gourmel, spill
What did you end up making? How did it turn out?

Marcella Hazan's bolognese sauce just leave out ground pork. Merrill's baked pasta with chicken sausage food52.com/recipes/31686-baked-pasta-with-chicken-sausage. Also, this use to be on food52, but I can't find it. therunawayspoon.com/blog/2010/01/pastitsio-greek-lamb-casserole/ Delicious. I add roasted eggplant to it and if you don't like lamb substitute beef. Very filling and a lot can be made ahead.

Make this curried lentil soup! Can be done ahead of time, improves with age, and is impressive: https://food52.com/blog/12332-how-to-feel-chic-while-eating-lentil-soup

Yes---keep it simple and make def don't make anything that would compete with anything she's makes.....I must say hands down the best thing I've ever made to please everyone is http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Worlds-Best-Lasagna/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=best%20lasagne&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i2 It's not fancy but its delicious and unassuming. Good luck!!!!!

Brazil Nut-Crusted Tilapia with Sautéed Kale is a showstopper and only looks like you spent hours in the kitchen: http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/brazil-nut-crusted-tilapia-saut-ed-kale
It would be great along with Lemon-Roasted Asparagus: http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/lemon-roasted-asparagus

Funny you mention it, I just found that recipe this morning and was planning on make it as well as crostini with David Leibovitz's artichoke tapenade. I think dinner will be Smitten Kitchen's Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake and Raw Kale Salad with Lentils and Sweet Apricot Vinaigrette https://food52.com/recipes/17866-raw-kale-salad-with-lentils-and-sweet-apricot-vinaigrette. For dessert, Ricotta and cherry jam crostata https://food52.com/recipes/28562-ricotta-and-cherry-jam-crostata-crostata-di-ricotta-e-visciole. Thanks for all of the responses!

I think simple is great. However, one sure-fire way to impress is to have a few small bites ahead of the meal. A little dish of olives and Merrill's Crostini with Ricotta, Honey, and Lemon zest https://food52.com/recipes/4718-crostini-with-ricotta-honey-and-lemon-zest would be my suggestion.

I agree with everything Nancy said. This is my go-to, last-minute company dish when I want to impress someone. It never fails. https://food52.com/recipes/11458-chicken-in-red-wine-vinegar-sauce

40 cloves of chicken - try Nigella's recipe.

His mom's specialties and a lamb and rice stew and roast salmon and I know she's not a fan of shrimp, which is all fine because I was thinking going vegetarian might be easiest. Maybe Smitten Kitchen's Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake and an arugula or kale salad?

I agree with making something easy and preferably something you've made before. I'd also suggest asking your boyfriend what types of foods they prefer - for example, no matter how good what I make is, my father and father-in-law won't like it if it's not a basic "meat and potatoes" meal.

1st breathe. 2nd ask your boyfriend a) what ekse beside pork they don't eat (allergies & aversions), b) his mother's specialty. Avoid making anything with A or B (no medical emergency, no competing with his mother). Make something tasty that you''ve done a million times and know is good. Doesn't matter if it's simple or not "impressive". This is not a time to make a new dish. Concentrate on the people. Let the good be good, but secondary. Good luck & enjoy the evening...

The first, best option is always to make something you already feel comfortable making.

In your case I'd go for something like fish en papillote, if fish is a viable option. It's easy, makes a nice presentation, and hangs out in the oven while you and the guests enjoy an appetizer and glass of wine. You can prepare the parchment packets the night before and just pop them in the oven 30 minutes (or less, depending on thickness) before dinner. I'd serve with a winter citrus salad, which can also be made the night before, and a loaf of crusty French bread from your local bakery. Fruit sorbet (store bought) and shortbread (make the night before) for dessert. Good luck!