Nottingham Forest had opened the scoring through Paul Evans midway through the first half, but they were unable to add to his tap-in and clinch all three points.
Forest then seized control and Evans and Andy Reid combined to create a golden opportunity for Gareth Taylor to open the scoring, but Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davis produced a spectacular save to tip his header away.
Davis had no chance with Forest's goal on the 25-minute mark as Evans tapped home from close range.
Reid almost doubled Forest's lead shortly after the break when he unleashed a dipping volley that struck the crossbar, but Ipswich hit back after 54 minutes.
Centre-back Jason De Vos headed the ball down in the penalty area and Bent reacted quickest to turn it home.
In the closing stages Reid created chances for both Evans and Taylor, but they were unable to capitalise and clinch maximum points for the home side.