Shortcode to set featured image

Hello,

I would like to set a featured image so that I can see an icon next to my posts in the Recent Posts widget. However, when I set a featured image, it also puts it into the top of my post, very large. Is there a shortcode to be able to set the featured image so that it only shows up as an icon next to the post and not at the top of the post?

Thanks,
Drew