not serving pasta immediately

I agree with ATG117 -- something cream-based might thicken/solidify if left to cool for an hour after preparing it. But if you're able to keep the dish warm somehow for that entire hour, it may be okay! Just to be safe, though, I'd make something olive oil or tomato sauce-based if you want to do pasta. The pasta itself will be fine if left alone for an hour as long as you keep it tightly covered!

I would not serve a cream based pasta in this case. If you want to go with pasta, I'd choose something dressed without dairy