Let’s jump into the cooking steps. Roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on this flavorful dish.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen and hint at the deliciousness to come!

Next, add the dried basil and oregano to the pan. Stir the mixture well, allowing the herbs to bloom in the heat for an additional minute.

You'll start to notice that the garlic and herbs create a lovely fragrant combination that sets the stage for everything else.

Now it's time to introduce the crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Carefully pour them into the skillet, stirring to combine with those sautéed goodies. It’s like magic watching the vivid red tomatoes blend into the mixture.

Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and concentrate its flavors beautifully.

Once your sauce is thickened, it's time to stir in that dairy-free cream cheese. Cut it into smaller chunks before adding so it melts more efficiently. Stir until smooth and fully combined, transforming the vibrant tomato sauce into a creamy delight.

At this point, sprinkle in the black pepper, fine sea salt, and red pepper flakes if using. This step can be a game-changer. Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want a deeper umami flavor, add the nutritional yeast and stir until it's well mixed in.

While your sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. You’ll want it to be al dente, as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. This is where the magic happens.

Finally, add the fresh baby spinach into the pasta mixture. It will wilt down in a matter of seconds. Toss it gently until the spinach is lightly wilted but still vibrant.

Serve the creamy tomato spinach pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of vegan cashew parmesan if desired. You’ve created a fragrant, creamy dish that looks as good as it tastes!