Gary Gardner gave the Reds a surprise lead against the promotion contenders just before the half-hour mark at the KC Stadium.
Sone Aluko levelled for the home side but Forest will be pleased with a point after Saturday's heavy home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday and the subsequent sacking of Dougie Freedman.
Federico Macheda made his debut for the visitors after signing on loan from Cardiff City and will come into contention for Saturday's East Midlands derby clash.
Forest will go into that game on 46 points with 9 matches left in their season, a 10-point margin over the relegation zone.