Hello, wonderful food enthusiasts! I’m Marissa, the voice and recipe creator behind OMGfood, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be sharing a piece of my culinary world with you all today. A massive thank you to Brita for inviting me into her vibrant online home; it’s truly a pleasure to connect with her audience and share some delicious inspiration.
My journey into the food blogging sphere led me to meet Brita back in October 2015, at what was then known as the Food Blog University conference in beautiful Cancun. This event, now rebranded as Blog Life University, was a transformative experience. Beyond the invaluable educational insights into blogging, it was an incredible opportunity to forge friendships with some of the most passionate and creative individuals in the food blogging community. These connections are truly one of the greatest joys of this profession, fostering a supportive network where we can learn, grow, and share our love for food.
My roots are deeply intertwined with food. I grew up in the vibrant Boston area, in a household filled with the joyous clamor of loud, food-loving Greeks. For a quarter of a century, my parents owned and operated a bustling restaurant, a place that quickly became my second home and my first culinary classroom. From a very young age, I was immersed in the kitchen, learning the traditions, techniques, and the sheer joy of creating food from scratch. This upbringing instilled in me a profound and enduring connection to food – especially the rich, diverse, and wholesome flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a subject I could passionately discuss for hours on end, delving into its history, health benefits, and incredible versatility.
My path to food blogging wasn’t a straight line. Before fully dedicating myself to the culinary world, I spent years as a video game developer. While the two fields might seem worlds apart, the creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail required in game development have surprisingly transferable skills that I now apply to recipe creation and food photography. It was a recent career switch, driven by an undeniable desire to be more intimately involved with the world of food. It’s a testament to following your true passion, even if it leads you down an unexpected but ultimately fulfilling path.
To give you a little more insight into who I am beyond the kitchen, here are some fun facts about me:
- I share my home with my wonderful life partner, Jason, and our feline overlord, Nermal.
- Despite living with a cat, I confess to being more of a dog person at heart. My adorable dog, Lily, currently enjoys a pampered life with my parents.
- As mentioned, I’m a former video game developer, a career that truly sharpened my creative and analytical skills.
- Video games remain one of my absolute favorite pastimes – a perfect way to unwind and engage my mind.
- The beach holds a special place in my heart. I simply couldn’t imagine living more than an hour’s drive from the soothing rhythm of the coast.
- Asking me to pick a favorite food is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child – impossible! My love for diverse flavors means I adore too many things to pick just one.
- In a memorable (and somewhat embarrassing) past life, I once performed a dance routine “for” Usher. Let’s just say my previous video game career had some interesting perks. Bonus fact: it was actually his dance routine I was performing!
- While I don’t often share it publicly, I have a deep love for writing poetry and song lyrics. I’ve even dabbled a bit in public performance, finding a different kind of stage presence there.
- Performing on stage still makes me a little nervous, but public speaking? That’s a whole new level of terrifying for me!
- I know how to swim, technically, but I’m rather terrible at it. More of a “stay in the shallow end and splash” kind of swimmer.
You can discover even more silly and serious facts about me over at my blog, OMGfood. But for now, let’s pivot back to what we all love: truly tasty food! I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly encapsulates my culinary philosophy – simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean inspiration.
Introducing Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal: Pasta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Crispy Garlic
When Brita and I first discussed this guest post, there was one recipe that instantly sprang to mind: my irresistible Pasta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Crispy Garlic. This dish is a testament to how a handful of quality ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can transform into an explosion of flavor. It’s comforting, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. I even had the pleasure of using fresh, fragrant basil and juicy grape tomatoes straight from my very own container garden for this particular rendition, adding an extra layer of freshness that truly elevates the dish.
This recipe celebrates the harmony of classic Mediterranean flavors: the creamy tang of goat cheese, the bright sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic punch of basil, and the unforgettable texture and depth of crispy garlic. What makes this dish truly special, and dare I say, the “secret weapon,” is the garlic-infused olive oil, specifically made with golden, crispy garlic bits. Instead of just adding minced garlic to a sauce, we gently cook smashed garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat until they transform into golden, fragrant, and delightfully crisp morsels. This process not only infuses the olive oil with an incredible garlicky aroma but also creates those irresistible crispy bits that we’ll mince and sprinkle over the finished pasta, adding a subtle crunch and a profound depth of savory flavor.
I absolutely adore making garlic-infused oil; it’s become a staple in my kitchen these days. Beyond this pasta, it’s fantastic for dipping crusty bread, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or even elevating a simple salad dressing. For another delightful application, check out my puff pastry pizza, where this golden oil truly shines. Learning to make your own infused oils is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your home cooking, adding layers of flavor that store-bought alternatives simply can’t match.
Another clever trick I employ to maximize efficiency and flavor in this dish is adding the halved grape tomatoes to the colander just before draining the pasta. As the hot, starchy water from the pasta drains over the tomatoes, the residual steam gently softens them. This subtle pre-cooking releases their juices, intensifying their natural sweetness and slightly breaking down their texture, making them meld beautifully with the other ingredients. This simple step saves you a bit of cooking time and ensures the tomatoes are perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Ultimately, saving time in the kitchen means more precious moments to savor the delicious results! And with this pasta, you’ll want every second for enjoying its rich flavors.
The synergy of goat cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a well-known culinary match made in heaven. Each ingredient brings its unique characteristics to the forefront, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying profile. The goat cheese offers a creamy richness and a delightful tang that coats the pasta beautifully. The tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness and a hint of acidity, cutting through the richness. Fresh basil provides a fragrant, herbaceous lift, essential for that classic Mediterranean taste. And, of course, the crispy garlic isn’t just a garnish; it adds a subtle depth, a savory umami, and a pleasing texture that ties everything together. For an extra layer of “oomph” and a salty, sharp finish, I highly recommend topping your serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Romano cheese. It’s an optional addition that truly elevates the experience.
This dish is not only delicious but also embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet, focusing on fresh produce, healthy fats from olive oil, and lean protein. It’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of good food.
Pasta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Crispy Garlic
Print Recipe
Want more delicious recipes and culinary insights? Head over to OMGfood.com for a constant source of inspiration!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (good quality extra virgin recommended)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and gently smashed (not minced)
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 9-10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (thinly sliced)
- sea salt to taste
- freshly grated Romano cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
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Begin by making the star of the show: crispy garlic-infused olive oil. Add the olive oil and the smashed garlic cloves to a small skillet. Place the skillet over very low heat.
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Allow the garlic to gently cook and infuse the oil for 10-15 minutes. Stir the garlic every two to three minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning, which can turn bitter. The goal is a beautiful, lightly golden, and toasted garlic.
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Once the garlic is golden, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully spoon out the crispy garlic cloves and finely chop them. Set the infused oil and chopped crispy garlic aside.
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Meanwhile, prepare your pasta. Place the halved grape tomatoes into a colander. Cook the fusilli pasta (or your chosen pasta shape) according to the package directions until al dente.
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Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it over the tomatoes in the colander. The steam from the hot pasta will gently soften the tomatoes, enhancing their flavor and texture. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to work its magic.
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Transfer the drained pasta and softened tomatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled goat cheese, the chiffonade basil, and a generous drizzle of the garlic-infused olive oil (reserving the chopped crispy garlic for topping). Toss everything together gently until well combined and the goat cheese begins to melt into a creamy sauce. Season with sea salt to taste.
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Serve immediately, topping each portion with the reserved finely chopped crispy garlic and an optional sprinkle of freshly grated Romano cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor.
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Devour and enjoy this delightful symphony of flavors!
I genuinely hope you try this Pasta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, and Crispy Garlic and fall in love with its simplicity and incredible flavor as much as I have. It’s a dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right into your home, perfect for those moments when you crave something comforting yet fresh. Don’t forget to head over to OMGfood for more delicious recipes and a peek into my culinary adventures. Thank you again, Brita, for this wonderful opportunity!