Lemon Vodka Shrimp Scampi

This is a recipe I concocted from about 5 different recipes, none of which appealed to me. I took one ingredient from here and one ingredient from there and, voila!  my personal version of shrimp scampi. Cheap vodka is ok because the alcohol cooks off before serving.  We like to be skimpy with the pasta since we are working on trimming calories for weight control (hence angel hair or thin spaghetti).

Ingredients

• 3 Quarts Water
• 6 ounces Angel Hair Pasta or Thin Spaghetti
• 1 pound of peeled, deveined Shrimp (31-40 count)
• 3 Tablespoons drained capers
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Vodka (can substitute Tequila)
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 4 ounces heavy whipping cream
• Parsley, chopped as garnish

Directions

Step 1

Prepare Shrimp by peeling and removing tails

(HINT:  Save tails and peels - freeze as necessary and when you have enough, immerse into boiling water for about 15 minutes in order to make your own seafood broth for yummy soups.)

Step 2

Bring water to a boil and add pasta

Step 3

Heat at medium high large skillet and add oil

Step 4

When oil shimmers, add shrimp to skillet

Step 5

Saute for 4 minutes, until pink and done

Step 6

Remove shrimp from skillet and add thinly sliced garlic

Step 7

Add Vodka, tomato sauce, lemon juice and capers

Step 8

Bring mixture to a full simmer

Step 9

After 1 minute, add heavy whipping cream

Step 10

Taste for seasoning

Step 11

Add salt and pepper to taste

Step 12

Stir and let simmer for about 4 minutes

Step 13

Add shrimp back into the mixture to warm

Step 14

Drain pasta, add to the skillet, mixing well

Step 15

Plate the dish

Step 16

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of each serving

Step 17

Serve with lemon wedges on the side