Best Italian main course for dinner party?

[OrangeSunset]

Inspired after a recent visit to Italy I’d like to go with an Italian theme for dinner for friends this weekend. That said, I’m veggie and also want something I can make ahead.

Am planning aubergine parmigiana, greens and a tiramisu. Any suggestions for a meat/chicken main I can make ahead ?

Chicken parmigiana?

Or chicken stuffed with mozzarella and pesto and wrapped in prosciutto ham.

Can prep before, then just put in the oven to cook.

Served with greens and rosemary potatoes.

Chicken cacciatore is easy to prep in advance and could be served with the greens and some baby potatoes. It would share a few ingredients wit( your aubergine parmigiana which could be handy.

Pork saltimboca or veal if you can get decent rose veal.

Lasagne!

You're veggie - do you need a meat course.

I decided to do an all veggie Italian dinner party recently. I'm not veggie, but one of my guests was, and I thought it would make a nice change.

I did a couple of different bruschettas to start. Then a chick pea and pasta soup. Then Nigella's aubergine involtini with spinach salad. It was yummy!

(then I stupidly messed up with a non-vegetarian pudding - it had gelatine in it. durrr!)

Pork (rather than veal) saltimbocca with lemon risotto and spinach. It's delicious.

osso buco - can be made the night before and reheated in the oven. Serve with polenta and the greens you planned.

Yes I was thinking Chicken Cacciatore atleast. Have you tried that particular recipe?

Don’t need to do a meat course, but quite happy to and also happy if the aubergine parmigiana results in some leftovers.

orangeSunset ive had great success with this and her slow cooker method.she even notes how to make ahead.
cafedelites.com/chicken-cacciatore/

Yes I’ve used that recipe many times. I use breasts rather than thighs because I prefer them but I know thighs are the recommended cut for this type of dish.