Captain John McGinn scored twice to underline his importance to Unai Emery's side, while Ollie Watkins opened the scoring just before the break.
Villa took control from the first whistle, dominating possession and forcing Forest onto the back foot. Their persistence paid off in first-half added time when Watkins unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box to give the hosts the lead heading into the interval.
The second half brought more rewards for Villa. Within minutes of the restart, McGinn climbed highest to head in a well-timed cross from Matty Cash, doubling the advantage and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Forest briefly threatened a comeback when Morgan Gibbs-White tucked away a composed finish midway through the second period, reducing the deficit and giving his side hope.
However, Villa quelled any Forest momentum as McGinn seized on a defensive error and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper for his second of the afternoon, restoring a two-goal lead. The Forest keeper also left the field injured after the challenge, adding to Dyche's side's worries.
This win keeps Villa firmly in the Premier League's upper echelons, sitting second in the table on 42 points from 20 matches, and strengthens their bid for European qualification. Forest remain 17th on 18 points, precariously close to the relegation zone and seeking a response in coming fixtures.
McGinn's performance was the standout feature, his two goals emphasising his influence in midfield and leadership on the pitch. Villa's attacking intent and control in key moments made the difference, as Emery's men delivered a confident and convincing win.
Calum McFarlane has praised the spirit and character of his Chelsea players after they battled through a turbulent week to earn a dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester City on Sunday.
Thomas Frank has admitted Tottenham failed to finish the job after Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, despite a dominant first-half display.
Arne Slot has insisted Liverpool would not abandon their attacking principles after conceding late to draw 2-2 at Fulham, extending their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions.
Enzo Fernandez scored deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
