Goalkeeper Lee Camp conjured up a batch of spectacular saves to keep Sheffield United at bay and extend Forest's impressive run.
United, who had won their three previous games, sparked into life late in the game but couldn't find a way past the Forest keeper, whose side is now unbeaten in 12 games.
Forest, who had bagged nine goals in their previous two games, started in confident mood and Wes Morgan's looping pass fell perfectly for Dexter Blackstock, but from 15 yards he dragged his left-foot shot wide of the target.
The Sheffield side were in trouble again when Chris Cohen's free-kick from 25 yards found little striker Robert Earnshaw, who beat the lanky Matt Kilgallon to the ball only to steer his close-range header the wrong side of the far post.
As their passes went astray rampant Forest capitalised with skipper Paul McKenna firing in a right-foot strike from the edge of the area which Mark Bunn saved comfortably.
United, whose three wins in a row halted a dramatic slide down the table, gradually found their feet but were unable to penetrate the Forest rearguard.
Full-back Andy Taylor tried his luck with a long-range strike only to drill the ball high over the target.
Forest almost found a way through when Earnshaw spun quickly to drill in a left foot shot but the ball flashed inches wide of the target before Camp pulled off a stunning save to keep out United.
Stephen Quinn carved out the chance pumping in a cross from the left, winger Jamie Ward stretched to finish with a glancing header as the Forest keeper dived to his left to palm the ball away.
Camp conjured up another vital stop after snatching substitute Henri Camara's fierce strike at the second attempt before Kilgallon almost snatched the points when his shot from 10 yards was deflected by the Forest keeper.