Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously.
Add potatoes and 1½ cups corn. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Blend about 1½ cups of soup until smooth, then return to the pot.
Stir in remaining corn, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5 more minutes and top with bacon before serving.