MediterraneanMedium · Hot
One-Pot Fusilli and White Bean Stew with Feta and Thyme
A warming one-pot stew where tender white beans and al dente fusilli swim in a savory broth, finished with crumbled feta and fragrant thyme. Esther would approve — it feeds a table generously for very little.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Method
Build the Base
1
Warm the olive oil in your stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and let it soften, stirring now and then, about 5 minutes.
Simmer the Stew
3
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the white beans, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to build flavor.
4
Nestle the fusilli into the pot. Stir gently and cook for 10 minutes more, or until the pasta is just tender but still has a pleasing bite.
Season and Finish
5
Season with salt and black pepper. Taste the broth — it should be savory and deep, not thin. Add more salt if needed.
6
7
Serve in deep bowls with the remaining lemon cut into wedges for anyone who wants a brighter finish.
A
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -5
Calories
850
per serving
Source of protein · 38gSource of fibre · 12gLow sugar · 8g
Protein
38g
Carbs
130g
Fat
21g
Sat. fat
6g
Fiber
12g
Sugar
8g
Sodium
1279mg
MediterraneanBalancedVegetarianHeart HealthyDiabetes FriendlyWeight ManagementAnti InflammatoryBudget Friendly
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
B
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.7
per serving
BCarbonAEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
0.8m³
Runoff
0.1g P
feta drives 41% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
4
Sweet
5
Salty
3
Sour
1
Bitter
3
Spicy
Textures
TenderCreamyChewySilky
Aromas
HerbalSavoryEarthyGarlicky
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
StockpotCounter FootprintMedium
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Simmer stew uncovered for full 15 minutes before adding pasta to ensure beans reach safe internal temperature. Fusilli must cook full 10 minutes until tender.
Stew must reach minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. If using homemade or raw chicken broth, bring to a full boil for at least 1 minute to ensure food safety.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken broth ingredients and allergen-free prep areas. Feta should be crumbled over finished dish, not mixed with raw ingredients.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover stew within 2 hours of cooking. Dairy content from feta makes perishable. Store in airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.
High Risk Population
Elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised individuals should ensure beans are fully tender before consuming. Stew simmers at safe temperature but verify doneness.
Allergen Warning
Dish contains milk, wheat/gluten, and celery allergens. When serving guests, clearly communicate all allergen presence regardless of quantity.
Handling
Add pasta near end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain proper texture. Stir gently when adding fusilli to avoid breaking pasta pieces.
Pro Tips
Technique
Let the aromatics really soften and turn golden at the edges before you add the broth — don't rush them. That fond at the bottom of the pot is where the deep, savory flavor lives, and it will fold right into your stew when you pour in that beautiful stock.
Substitution
No fusilli? A small pasta like ditalini or even orzo works beautifully here — anything that can curl around those tender beans and hold a good spoonful of broth in its curves.
From the chef
This is the kind of pot I had in mind when I started teaching people that a good meal doesn't need to cost much or take long — just time, and a little attention. The beans swell with the broth while the pasta cooks right in, and before you know it, you've got something that feels like you spent all afternoon at the stove. The feta and thyme finish it with that brightness that makes everyone ask for seconds, and maybe a third.
TagsSavory Deep
AllergensMilkWheatGlutenCelery
Source: generated · June 10, 2026