Both sides can take positives from the result with Forest bouncing back quickly from Saturday's mauling by Millwall to take the game to the Championship's form side.
Middlesbrough meanwhile may have seen their winning streak ended but were more than happy to extend their unbeaten run.
“On the back of six big wins it does create a good spirit and we needed that spirit because Forest did put us to the sword at times and made it difficult for us," said Procter.
"But the boys really dug deep.”
Home boss Sean O'Driscoll commented: "They didn't crack. There were times in the first half when I thought we would score, but they kept their composure and you have to give them some credit."