Pasta Pomodoro Perfection

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons shallot, finely minced
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon cane sugar
• dried oregano, to taste
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 ounces rigatoni
• extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin half moons
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• sea salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 (14-ounce) cans cherry tomatoes, drained
• 6 cups spinach
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped