Potato and Sausage Chowder (Creamy One-Pot Dinner)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 oz (400 g) fully cooked smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb (680 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup (240 ml) half-and-half or heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (85 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley