$3 of chicken breast from a family pack that was $2.69/lb
$3 of a delicious curry paste
$2 coconut milk
$1 for oil, soy sauce, etc.
$1 of leftover rice
$2 of watermelon

$12 is about as cheap as it gets to feed 2 if we eat an animal-based protein and it took me 20-25 minutes to prepare the curry. DH spent a few minutes cutting the watermelon earlier in the day.

Two organic pluots, some carrot sticks, half a baked chicken piece and three small potatoes. The meat and potatoes were leftovers so I think it took me less than a minute to microwave. Carrots were already cut. Had to rinse fruit.

Whole mean cost less than $10. Basically no time.

Last night was salmon and spiced cauliflower - roasted at the same time/temp but different trays and spices - total cooking itme 20 minutes.

Making the marinade for the salmon and spice mixture for the cauliflower was maybe another 3 minutes?

This is admittedly one of my fastest "scratch-made" dinner options, you just asked on the right day.