Weeknight dinners can be tricky. And when you’re trying to keep them plant based, it can feel even more challenging! Growing up, we lived next door to an Italian family, and I vividly remember the excitement whenever their grandmother came to visit. She always brought over a tray of her homemade manicotti, and the smell alone—fresh basil mingling with the perfectly melted cheese on top—was enough to make my day. It was the ultimate comfort dish, delicious year-round, and it quickly became one of my favorite meals.