The 28-year-old Nigerian netted in the 80th minute at the Gtech Community Stadium, after coming off the bench, to seal all three points after a 12th minute Igor Jesus opener.
Awoniyi had been out for an extended period after he collided with a goalpost during Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester in May, suffering a ruptured intestine and underwent emergency surgery.
He made his comeback this season and has made nine appearances in all competitions.
The result lifted Forest onto 25 points in 17th place on the Premier League standings, five clear of West Ham in the relegation places.
Speaking after the game, a delighted Awoniyi BBC Radio Nottingham that he was happy to be back playing and scoring, having struggled with injuries this season, to accumulate just nine appearances across all competitions.
He said: "For me, I've always believed this is where I want to be. I've always believed I'm a Premier League player, no matter what is going on around me. That's my focus.
"Unfortunately, with what I've been through over the last one-and-a-half years, I've not been playing a lot and haven't been involved.
“The coach (Sean Dyche) came in and brought me back, which is something I'm happy about.
"Getting the goal is something I'm happy about. I've not been playing for a while, so maybe that's why the goals are not there.”
Tottenham were left sweating over Micky van de Ven's fitness after the defender missed training on Tuesday, just a day before their crucial Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Paris Saint-Germain's newest signing was on the training pitch this week, but UEFA regulations mean he will play no part in Wednesday night's Champions League showdown with Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola has made it clear he still sees Bernardo Silva as central to Manchester City's biggest matches after praising the midfielder's influence in the win over Wolves.
Estevao Willian has said the hard work he has put in behind the scenes at Chelsea paid off after his stunning solo goal set the tone for a 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
