Shrimp Scampi in a Sun Dried Tomato [Light] Vermouth Cream Sauce

This is probably one of the easiest recipes I have ever posted, side dishes aside.  I know many of you work full time or have very full lives.  You want more quick and easy dishes that you can make any day of the week.  So in honor of that, I will spare you a bit of the flowery prose this evening and get right to the point. BTW - the pictures seem to be talking tonight so make sure you click on those like they ask you to do.  ;.)

Shrimp Scampi (sort of) in a Sun Dried Tomato [Light] Vermouth Cream

Note:  This dish serves two.  To modify it for four, simply double the recipe.  The "sort of" means that I am using shallot instead of the traditional garlic...   You get the essence of traditional scampi with this dish, but it's extra special.  Of course "scampi" can also mean "prawn," but I told you I'd spare you that -- for another time.

Here is what you will need to make this dish (picture of Olive Oil and water omitted).

1/4 lb Angel Hair Pasta
14 Jumbo Shrimp, peeled, deveined and tailed. 
Old Bay Seasoning, to taste
Dried Thyme, to taste
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional)
2 tablespoons Butter
1 Shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons Capers
1/4 cup X-tra Dry white Vermouth
1 Ladle Starchy Cooking Liquid (from the pasta)
1/4 cup Fat Free Half & Half
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Click on me to see the full list of what you need to make this dish!

Cook pasta to directions on box.  Strain and reserve one ladle of the starchy cooking liquid.

Season shrimp with Old Bay and dried Thyme.

In a large skillet, add olive oil, if using, butter, shallot and capers.   Sauté for three minutes.

Add Shrimp.  Sauté for three minutes. 

Oh, click on me here, too!

Remove shrimp to bowl.

Add vermouth and starchy cooking water.  Reduce by one half. 

Reduce heat to low.   Add shrimp back in and cook for two more minutes, until shrimp are translucent. 

Remove pan from heat.  Stir in half and half, stirring consistently for one minute until mixture is warmed through.




Click and Enjoy!

Serve over pasta.  Top with grated Parmesan cheese.  A quick side salad or steamed broccoli goes great with this dish!

I am taking tomorrow night off.  I'll be back this weekend for a Valentine's Day romantic meal idea, including a sweet ending!