This paleo gnocchi dish, enveloped in a rich cashew pesto sauce and combined with savory chicken sausage and earthy mushrooms, makes for a truly comforting and healthy dinner option.

• 1 package Cappello’s Paleo Gnocchi

  The undeniable star of our dish! These innovative grain-free gnocchi are crafted with a blend of almond flour and cassava flour, delivering a tender, delightfully chewy texture without any gluten or grains. They cook incredibly fast, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

• 1 package Bilinski’s Wild Mushroom with Italian Herbs Chicken Sausage, sliced

  This choice adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor and lean protein to the dish. The subtle mushroom and aromatic Italian herb notes within the sausage complement the fresh pesto beautifully. If Bilinski’s isn’t readily available in your area, opt for another high-quality chicken or turkey sausage with similar flavorings, always ensuring it’s free from added sugars and grains to maintain the paleo profile.

• 12 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

  Cremini mushrooms, often referred to as baby bella mushrooms, offer a richer, earthier, and more robust flavor compared to standard white button mushrooms. They contribute fantastic texture and a deep umami essence to the entire dish. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite culinary mushrooms for added complexity.

• 1 cup fresh basil, packed

  Fresh basil is absolutely non-negotiable for crafting a truly vibrant, aromatic, and authentic pesto. To ensure you get the maximum amount of herbaceous flavor, make sure to pack the basil leaves tightly when measuring.

• ¼ cup raw cashews

  Cashews are the secret to creating a wonderfully creamy, rich, and slightly sweet pesto. They offer a milder flavor profile than traditional pine nuts and serve as an excellent alternative for those with allergies to other nuts (though it’s important to remember cashews are still tree nuts) or simply for those seeking a different, smoother texture. There’s no need to soak them beforehand for this recipe.

• 1-2 garlic cloves

  Garlic is a fundamental and indispensable ingredient in any truly exceptional pesto. You can easily adjust the quantity to suit your personal preference – one clove for a subtle, background hint of garlic, or two for a more pronounced and robust garlic kick.

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

  This magical ingredient imbues the pesto with a fantastic “cheesy” umami flavor without the need for any dairy, making it perfectly suitable for both paleo and dairy-free diets. As an added bonus, nutritional yeast is also a good source of beneficial B vitamins.

• 1 tsp sea salt

  Sea salt is absolutely essential for proper seasoning, skillfully enhancing and bringing out all the delicious flavors within the pesto. Always adjust the amount to your exact taste preference.

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

  A high-quality, extra virgin olive oil is crucial for achieving a smooth, luxurious, and rich pesto. Its distinct fruity notes will beautifully enhance the overall taste and mouthfeel of your homemade pesto.

1. 1. Prepare the Cashew Pesto: In the bowl of a high-speed blender or a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, raw cashews, peeled garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and the extra virgin olive oil. Blend on high for approximately 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture transforms into a beautifully smooth, vibrant green pesto. If you find the pesto is too thick for your liking, you can add another tablespoon of olive oil or a small splash of water to achieve your desired consistency. Once blended, transfer this fragrant pesto to a small bowl and set it aside.
2. 2. Sauté the Sausage and Mushrooms: Place a large skillet (a cast iron pan or a high-quality non-stick pan works best for even browning) over medium heat on your stovetop. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the sliced Bilinski’s chicken sausage and the sliced cremini mushrooms to the hot pan. Sauté these ingredients for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through, and the mushrooms have softened significantly, releasing their natural moisture and developing a lovely golden hue.
3. 3. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sausage and mushrooms are actively cooking, bring a separate large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous rolling boil. This is the crucial step for your gnocchi. Cappello’s Paleo Gnocchi cooks exceptionally fast – typically requiring only 3 minutes or even less. Carefully add the gnocchi to the rapidly boiling water. It is absolutely critical to stir them every 30 seconds and to watch the pot very closely. The moment the gnocchi rise to the surface of the water, they are perfectly cooked and ready. Be vigilant to avoid overcooking, as they can quickly become undesirably mushy.
4. 4. Combine and Serve: Without delay, promptly drain the perfectly cooked gnocchi and transfer them directly into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and chicken sausage. Now, pour the freshly prepared cashew pesto generously over the entire gnocchi mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and earthy mushrooms are beautifully and evenly coated with the rich, aromatic pesto. Serve this delightful dish immediately while it’s warm, and savor every comforting bite!