These family dinner ideas for Valentine's Day are the perfect way to enjoy a nice, home-cooked meal with the entire family! Valentine's Day isn't only for couples- you can still enjoy an outstanding dinner on this special occasion, even with the kids! These recipes are suitable for at least 4 people, packed with flavor, and a great way to show your family how much you love them!
For more menu planning help, see my Valentine's Day dinner ideas or dinner for two recipes. My bacon wrapped beef tenderloin or lobster risotto are two personal favorites for sharing with my family!
Jump to:
- Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes For The Whole Family
- 1. Chicken Marsala
- 2. Lasagna
- 3. Round Roast Pot Roast
- 4. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy
- 5. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
- 6. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
- 7. Crockpot BBQ Beef Shortribs
- 8. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
- 9. Lobster Risotto
- 10. Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
- 11. Shrimp Scampi
- 12. Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
- 13. Chicken Parmesan
- 14. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
- 15. Pan Seared Lamb Chops
- 16. Spaghetti Bolognese
- 17. Marry Me Chicken
- 18. Sirloin Steak Tips
- 19. Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Roast
- 20. Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breasts
- 21. Panko-Crusted Baked Flounder
- 22. Pan-Seared Scallops
- 23. Creamy Prawn Pasta
- 24. Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
- 25. Air Fryer Prime Rib
- 26. Chicken Schnitzel
- 27. Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- 28. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- 29. Creamy Chicken Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
- 30. Frutti di Mare
- 31. Whole Roasted Rabbit
- 💭 Tips For Making Valentine's Day Dinner For The Whole Family
- ❔ How Can I Involve My Kids In Making The Valentine's Day Dinner
- ❔ Are There Any Special Ingredients That Symbolize Valentine's Day
- ❔ What Are Some Of The Best Valentine’s Day Chicken Dinner Recipes
- 💖 Sweet Valentine's Day Treats
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Family Dinner Ideas For Valentine's Day: Marry Me Chicken (+Other Recipe Ideas!)
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes For The Whole Family
Valentine's Day is known for being a holiday where you spend time with your significant other as a couple. However, sometimes you want to include the kids in your special dinner!
Rather than attempt to go out to eat on one of the busiest days of the year in the restaurant industry, you can easily make an out-of-this-world dinner right at home! No matter which one of these tasty meals you choose, your entire family will certainly feel the love!
1. Chicken Marsala
This classic Italian dish is perfect for showing your family how much you care! Golden chicken breasts are smothered in a delectable marsala wine sauce for a dish that no one will forget!
2. Lasagna
Lasagna is a well-loved classic dish perfect for the whole family- even if you have some picky eaters! This kid-approved dinner is simple to make, hearty, and ridiculously delicious. Whip up some tasty garlic bread to pair with it, and you are good to go!
For a vegetarian version, check out my sauteed spinach lasagna!
3. Round Roast Pot Roast
There are so many varieties of roasts out there, and you can't go wrong with any of them! With this recipe, you'll only spend about 10 minutes preparing your dinner while the rest of the time is spent in the oven!
It's also loaded with carrots, potatoes, and onions, so you won't even need to make a side dish!
4. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy
These tasty pork medallions are pan-seared and smothered in a delicious mushroom gravy! It's a versatile dish that can easily be paired with your family's favorite side dishes!
5. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine alfredo is an incredibly popular dish for Valentine's Day! Tender fettuccine noodles are coated in a creamy homemade alfredo sauce and tossed with smoked salmon! Not only is this dish delicious, but it is super quick and easy to throw together!
Not a fan of salmon? You can always try out some chicken alfredo or shrimp alfredo!
6. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Steak fajitas can easily be customized with your favorite toppings and mix-ins! Try out some roasted peppers and onions, guacamole, or salsa roja!
Of course, chicken fajitas or shrimp fajitas are just as tasty!
7. Crockpot BBQ Beef Shortribs
Breaking out the slow cooker is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending forever in the kitchen! Simply prep the ribs in the morning and then leave them to cook during the day. It's as easy as it gets!
8. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
This comforting and warm meal is perfect for a cozy night in on Valentine's Day! Tender chicken and veggies are coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with homemade biscuits! It's so delicious that everyone in the family will be coming back for seconds!
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
9. Lobster Risotto
Risotto is creamy, rich, and sophisticated. Plus, it is easy to customize it to match your preferred flavors!
This lobster risotto is one of my all-time favorites. However, you could also enjoy some butternut squash, prawn, crab, Parmesan, pea and mint, or mushroom varieties!
If you've never made risotto before, check out my guide on how to cook risotto! You'll be an expert in no time!
10. Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
This incredibly easy casserole is loaded with noodles, meatballs, cheese, and sauce! It is kid-friendly, delicious, and perfect for even a busy night, as it only takes a few minutes to assemble!
11. Shrimp Scampi
This dish is one of my favorite quick and easy shrimp recipes! Succulent shrimp and pasta are tossed in a sauce made from butter, lemon, and white wine.
Did I mention that it only takes 15 minutes to make?
12. Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
If you're in the mood for some cozy soup this Valentine's Day, you'll have to check out this recipe! It's an Italian version of chicken noodle soup packed with small pasta, chicken, and veggies.
13. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite meal in my house! You can choose to either pan-fry or bake your chicken; it's delicious!
Crispy breaded chicken is topped with melted Parmesan cheese and served alongside your favorite pasta. Discover what side dishes you can serve with chicken Parmesan right here!
Alternatively, you could try out my chicken Parmesan sandwich or chicken Parmesan pizza for a fun and tasty twist!
14. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a great way to serve a large family! These sour cream chicken enchiladas are rich, cheesy, and completely packed with flavor! Serve them with Mexican rice and beans for a complete and hearty meal.
Of course, there are many different ways to make enchiladas, and they can easily be customized to your family's needs. Try out my beef enchiladas, cheese enchiladas, or even shrimp enchiladas!
15. Pan Seared Lamb Chops
You can easily enjoy these gourmet, sophisticated lamb chops in the comfort of your own home! They are quick to make and only use a few ingredients for a simple yet elegant dinner!
16. Spaghetti Bolognese
Is there anything more classic, traditional, or easy than spaghetti bolognese? It's a dish easily enjoyed by even the most picky eaters- so it is perfect for the whole family!
Additionally, it is super easy to scale the recipe up if you need to make more for an extra large group!
17. Marry Me Chicken
Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Serve it with some tasty buttered noodles for a complete meal!
Plus, it is all made in just one pan, so you won't have a ton of dishes to clean up!
18. Sirloin Steak Tips
These buttery sirloin steak tips are perfect for steak-loving families without you having to cook each family member an individual steak. You can serve your steak tips over rice or pasta or pair them with a couple of vegetable side dishes and a potato side dish or two!
19. Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Roast
Beef tenderloin is one of the most tender, succulent, and flavorful cuts of beef you can buy! Now, wrap this high-quality roast in bacon, and you have a Pinterest-worthy roast beef dinner your family will rave about!
20. Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breasts
For Valentine's Day, skip the basic chicken breast recipes and go for these mouthwatering million-dollar baked chicken breasts! They're topped with 3 different types of cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions for the most amazing chicken dinner!
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
21. Panko-Crusted Baked Flounder
The flounder has a flaky texture and mildly sweet flavor that isn't overly fishy. Breaded in Panko breadcrumbs and baked until crispy, it's an easy fish recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy!
22. Pan-Seared Scallops
As a kid, I loved seafood, and sea scallops were always an extra special treat! They pan-sear beautifully in minutes, and if your family loves seafood like mine, they will enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!
Here's what to serve with scallops for some great side dish suggestions!
23. Creamy Prawn Pasta
Rich and creamy prawn pasta can be on the table in under 30 minutes, yet it still feels worthy of a special occasion like Valentine's Day. You could also try my creamy smoked salmon pasta or seafood pasta!
24. Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is a high-quality cut of steak that melts in your mouth like butter. Wrapping it in bacon makes it even more special and delicious!
Find a few steakhouse side dishes to round out your restaurant-worthy Valentine's Day dinner.
25. Air Fryer Prime Rib
I usually reserve prime rib for special occasions like Christmas dinner, but now that I can make it in the air fryer, Valentine's Day calls for prime rib, too! It still has that perfect golden brown crust and juicy medium-rare beef inside but in much less time than other prime rib recipes.
26. Chicken Schnitzel
Chicken schnitzel is thin chicken cutlets that are breaded and fried until crispy. Kids will love them because they're like a giant chicken nugget, and you can serve them with your favorite sauces!
27. Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts with a rich, cheesy spinach and bacon filling. It's a recipe worthy of any gourmet restaurant, but you can easily make it at home, and the results are outstanding!
28. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Everything you love about spaghetti but cheesier, saucier, and baked in a casserole with sweet Italian sausage! It's an effortless way to take a standard spaghetti dinner and make it memorable family favorite!
29. Creamy Chicken Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
For most of us, Valentine's Day falls during the coldest weather of the year. A rich, warm, and hearty soup really hits the spot on chilly winter evenings, and this creamy chicken and wild rice soup is just the thing!
Pair it with some warm cloverleaf biscuits to soak up every last drop!
30. Frutti di Mare
Italian cuisine and pasta, in particular, are inherently romantic (maybe something to do with the spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp). Frutti di Mare is an elegant seafood pasta loaded with shellfish tossed in a zesty arrabbiata sauce that would make a fabulous Valentine's entree!
The sauce isn't overly spicy, but you can always opt for classic marinara sauce if the kiddos are sensitive to heat.
31. Whole Roasted Rabbit
A whole roasted rabbit with tender root vegetables is a hearty and comforting meal that will happily gather the whole family around the table. The meat is succulent and flavorful, and trying different proteins is a great way to set your Valentine's Day dinner apart from the norm.
If there are any leftovers, you can refrigerate them and make the most amazing rabbit stew later in the week!
💭 Tips For Making Valentine's Day Dinner For The Whole Family
Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to create a special and memorable family dinner! Here are some tips for choosing what to make:
- Heart-Shaped Dishes: See if you can get your hands on some heart-shaped pasta or roll out the pizza dough in a heart shape for a family pizza night! It's an easy way to make your everyday recipes fit the holiday theme.
- Cook Together: Celebrate Valentine's Day by cooking dinner and baking a dessert as a family! This is a great activity the whole family can participate in without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of going out on a busy evening.
- Family Favorites: If your spouse, kids, loved ones, or best friends have favorite recipes, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to include them. This adds a personal touch and makes the dinner more meaningful!
- Decorate the Table: To enhance the ambiance, use candles, flowers, or Valentine's Day-themed place settings and decorations.
- Don't Forget the Drinks: Pair your meal with appropriate wines for the adults or make a signature cocktail for the occasion. Non-alcoholic mocktails are just as special, so kids can sip on something fun and fruity!
- Sweet Endings: Conclude the meal with a special treat. Heart-shaped desserts, a chocolate fondue fountain, or red velvet cake are great family-friendly options!
❔ How Can I Involve My Kids In Making The Valentine's Day Dinner
Choose recipes based on the ability and age of your child. Younger children can add pizza toppings to pizza or sprinkles to cookies.
Older kids might be able to help measure ingredients, stir, or even manage the stovetop tasks. Choose a dinner or dessert recipe that your kids can help with at least one aspect of, even if you're the one that finishes it up.
❔ Are There Any Special Ingredients That Symbolize Valentine's Day
There aren't many Valentine's-themed ingredients you can use for the main dish outside of forming things into a heart shape. It's more about the company and enjoying a good meal with loved ones!
Strawberry, chocolate, and red velvet are classic Valentine's Day flavors that work well in desserts. Pink, red, or heart-shaped treats are great too!
❔ What Are Some Of The Best Valentine’s Day Chicken Dinner Recipes
Italian-inspired chicken dinners are always popular for Valentine's Day. Chicken Parmesan, Marry Me Chicken, and grilled chicken fettuccini alfredo are great examples!
Mushroom chicken, Monterey chicken, and spinach-stuffed chicken breasts are elegant, flavorful meals for this Valentine's Day!
These dinners are perfect for spending the evening with your entire family on Valentine's Day! Which one do you want to try out? Leave a comment below and let me know!
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
💖 Sweet Valentine's Day Treats
- Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries - These strawberries are an easy-to-make treat that your whole family will love!
- Puff Pastry Hearts - Using only two ingredients, these hearts are a perfect treat to make with the kids!
- Tanghulu - Homemade candy-coated strawberries are a tasty dessert that anyone can enjoy!
- Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler - Sugar cookie dough and cherry pie filling come together in this irresistible dessert!
- Classic Sugar Cookies - My classic sugar cookies are perfect for decorating for Valentine's Day!
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - These chocolate chip cookies have an extra special ingredient- cherries!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Family Dinner Ideas For Valentine's Day: Marry Me Chicken (+Other Recipe Ideas!)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan (grated)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Slice or pound the chicken breasts so that they are thinner and will cook more evenly. Then, season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until it is just almost fully cooked (the chicken will cook more later). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once it has melted, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds or just until fragrant. Add the flour and mix until a paste is formed.
- Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until thoroughly combined, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Taste sauce and add salt & pepper if necessary.
- Simmer the sauce until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve over warm pasta or white rice and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- The fresh basil is optional but it is an ideal addition as it adds a lovely flavor.
- The thinner the chicken, the faster it cooks. When the juices run clear and it has a minimum internal temperature of 165° F (74°C), it's ready.
- Storing: Leftover marry me chicken should be kept in a shallow airtight container and refrigerated for 3 days. It does not freeze well. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, just until the chicken is heated through.
Comments
No Comments